Alva Odell Priest

Alva Odell Priest, 88, of Foreman, Arkansas passed away on January 16, 2026. Odell was born July 21, 1937 to Guss Priest and Lucille Powers Priest on a small farm on Waldrop Lateral, Arkansas. He was the oldest of four children from this marriage. Odell had seven step-siblings and three half-siblings, resulting in a large extended family. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp at the age of sixteen; however, after a medical discharge, he returned to home to complete his education, graduating from Foreman High School in 1959 with a diploma. His career choices were as varied as his hobbies and included cook/chef, bartender, ranch hand(cowboy), rodeo clown, tree trimmer, crop duster, boat builder, business owner, sawmill operator in Belize, South America and truck driver for multiple companies before retiring from Ruan in Foreman, Arkansas. Odell is survived by the family of his long-time friend and beloved companion, Mable Rae Jones. This includes her daughter, Sue Jones Watkins of Fouke, Arkansas, and children; Kristi and Bubba Watkins; Gina and Rodney Watkins; and Misty Watkins all of Fouke Arkansas. Surviving family members are three sisters; Pernica Foley of Greenville, Texas; Fay Armstrong of Mesquite, Texas and Judy Priest of Texarkana, Arkansas; step-sister, Vertie M. Arney of Lubbock, Texas; step sister-in-law, Ann Stone of New Boston, Texas. There were no children; however, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins including: James Woodrow Priest and Sheryl, of New Boston, Texas Sue Priest Frost and Connie, of New Boston, Texas Jimmie Lou Priest Green of Queen City, Texas Beverly Dudley of Terrell, Texas Gloria Jean Hetmer & family of Terrell, Texas Patty Moore of Terrell, Texas Sharon West & family of Ashdown, Arkansas William Stone and Janet of Raeford, North Carolina Kimberly Armstrong Prunty of Nevada, Texas Melissa Foley Norman and Robert of Royse City, Texas Danny Foley & children, Levi & Lexi of Greenville, Texas Matthew Aldridge, Sophia of Mesquite, Texas Junius Stone Ill (Trey) of Texarkana, Texas He was preceded in death by his parents, Guss Priest and Lucille Priest Stone; beloved companion, Mable Rae Jones; step-father, Junius Bagg Stone; Half-siblings James W Priest and Gladys of New Boston, Texas; Joseph E. Priest and Mable of Foreman, Arkansas; Clyde A. Priest of Clarksville, Texas; William V. Priest of Washington; Raymond L. Priest of Terrell, Texas; Lyman W. Priest and Betty of Ashdown, Arkansas Edith Mae Perry and Stanley of Coos Bay, Oregon Step-siblings: J. B. Stone, Jr and wife, Mary of Texarkana, Arkansas; William C. Stone Sr. of New Boston, Texas Memorial Service are pending. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Foreman High School Scholarship program in his memory.

Alva Odell Priest

July 21, 1937 - January 16, 2026