Opie Louis Mantooth, 91, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away on May 12, 2024. He was born on January 6, 1933, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Homer and Marie Mantooth. Opie proudly served in the US Navy.
Opie had a fulfilling career journey, starting as a plasterer in Detroit and Chicago in the early 1950s. He then worked for Terryland and Coleman Dairy companies in Hot Springs before becoming a Master Plumber for the family-owned Mantooth Plumbing, working for 20+ years until his retirement.
Opie was married 67 years to the love of his life, DeLois Mantooth, until her death in May, 2020. Opie was a Christian, and a member of Bayou Meto Baptist Church. Opie was an avid outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed fishing. In his youth, he played basketball and softball in school and later became a talented and passionate water skier. In his later years, Opie became an enthusiastic and gifted gardener. He also enjoyed swimming, and road trips, but above all, cherished family life.
Opie was preceded in death by his wife DeLois, son Opie Louis Mantooth, Jr., son-in-law Ken Abbott, granddaughter Stephanie Mantooth, great-grandson Jordan Gillins, and brother Bill Mantooth.
Opie will be deeply missed by his surviving family members: Brother Homer Mantooth, Jr.; sister-in-law Margaret Mantooth; daughter Christine Abbott; son Alan Mantooth (Mary Lynn); daughter Ruth Moseley; daughter-in-law Ann Mantooth; grandchildren: Michelle Abbott, Shawn Mantooth (Amber), Mary Ellen Gillins, David Kirkland (Jacy), Deanna Mantooth-Hendrix (Daniel Hendrix), Laura Skinner (David), Maureen Mantooth; Great-grandchildren: Skyler Mantooth, Abigayle Gillins, Peyton Reynolds, Jaxon Kirkland, Jayde Kirkland, Jackie Mantooth, Riley Mantooth, Olivia Hendrix, Isla Skinner, and Teddy Hendrix; and Great-great-grandchildren: Jackson Gillins, Jasper Gillins, and Jace Hutcherson. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.
The visitation will be held at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, May 15, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 pm at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. The internment will take place at Rest Hills in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Arkansas Food Bank in memory of Opie Mantooth.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
7 Comments
Our most sincere condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of your loved one. May his soul rest in peace and give you comfort in remembering all the wonderful moments you shared together.
So very sorry for your loss
My deepest condolences on the passing of the wonderful Patriarch of your family . Sounds like he lived a life well lived and gave his service and dedication to his community, his family, our country and God. Sending prayers and hugs to you all during this very difficult time .
Our prayers are with the family and friends. Opie will be dearly missed.
We loved Opie and are so sorry for the family’s tragic loss. Praying for all of you and wishing we could be there to celebrate his life with you.
The best Dad I could have ever dreamed of having was my father, Opie Mantooth. He taught me SO many things about life, athletics, work ethic, and most importantly living an honorable life and loving completely. He was a great example and was an inspiration to me for all that I have done. And, I did tell him this. I’ll see you again soon Dad, but first I hope to continue to live up to your example for my kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Say hello to Mom, Louis, and Stephanie and the rest of our family.
Alan, We are so very sorry about the passing of your beloved Dad. But we do know that he is now reunited with his beloved DeLois, your beloved Mom, and Louis and Stephanie and others. We love you and Mary Lynn so very much. May God give you the comfort, guidance and peace you need for every new day without his presence. He was a great friend and he will be missed very much We love you all very much, Grammy and Doc/Grandpa
Sign Guestbook