Stephen Roy Tinkle, 79, of Cabot, Arkansas peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on January 25, 1947, in Kennett, Missouri to the late Donald and Alidene Gramling Tinkle.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kaye Tinkle, two sons, Stephen Tinkle, Jr. (Kelli) of Ball Ground, Georgia, Alex Tinkle (Chasidy) of Hiawassee, Georgia, and Jennifer James (Brian) of Benton, Arkansas who he loved as his own daughter.

He is survived by a sister, Pam Jackson of Kennett, Missouri and his brother Don Tinkle (Danita) of Piedmont, Missouri. He leaves behind six treasured grandchildren, Connor, Harrison, Caroline, Noah and Lily Tinkle, and Lauren Lennon, and two bonus grandchildren, Blake James and Brittany Coleman.

He leaves behind many special nephews, nieces, friends and extended family members who loved him dearly. He also leaves behind a very special friend, Bill Vereen, who always spent time with him and brightened his days with stories from their many years together. Stephen treasured his many weekly breakfasts, at Cheryl’s Diner, with his special Uncle Stan Gramling.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Alidene Tinkle and his sister Paula Simpson.

Stephen grew up in Kennett, Missouri and farmed alongside his father for 15 years, a time in his life he always cherished. At the age of 30, he earned his pilot’s license, fulfilling a lifelong dream and love for aviation. He attended Senath High School and graduated in 1965. He then attended the University of Memphis from 1965-1969. During this time he registered for the draft and entered the U.S. Army National Guard in 1967, where he completed basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord in California before returning to Missouri, where he served as a military police officer. Stephen began his career with the Federal Grain Inspection Service in Olive Branch, Mississippi where he met his lifelong best friend Bill Vereen. Their friendship later led him to work for the Department of Agriculture as a warehouse examiner. Throughout his life, Stephen held many roles, including working for the U.S. Postal Service, in outside sales at Sam’s Club, and later at Stephen’s Inc. as a portfolio manager. While working at Sam’s Club, Stephen met the love of his life, Kaye. The two shared 31 wonderful years of marriage together. In 1995, Stephen “retired” to help run King Mansion and Oak Tree Bed and Breakfasts they owned in Heber Springs alongside Kaye where they spent 13 years welcoming guests and making lasting memories.

In 2008, they moved to Cabot, Arkansas where Stephen enjoyed gardening, fishing in his beautiful pond, hosting annual 4th of July barbeques and riding his golfcart around his property with his special black dogs- Dutchess, Trixie and Sadie. Stephen had a passion for life and loved cooking, carpentry, hunting, building and renovating projects, spending time with his family at deer camp and making precious memories with his grandchildren and loved ones. He will be most remembered for his servant heart, great sense of humor, strong work ethic, and the deep love he had for his family.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in knowing he is now home with the Lord.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2:00pm in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com