Cecil French, Jr.

Cecil Albert “Al” French, Jr. of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on December 22, 2020 at age 78.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Albert French and Connie Ann(MeGee) French, both of Fisher, AR. Daughter, Pamela Turbeville of Dresden, TN.,  brothers Bobby French of Albuquerque, N.M. and Jimmy French of Fisher, AR., and nephew David French of San Antonio, TX.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Deborah French of North Little Rock, AR.  Son, Jason French(Jennifer) of North Little Rock, AR. Daughter, Lisa Gannon (Ed) of Green Bay, WI.  Daughter, Tanya Holt (Alan) of Memphis, TN. Additionally survived by seven grandchildren, Noah French, Evan French and Julia French of North Little Rock, AR., Isabelle Gannon and Jack Gannon of Green Bay, WI., Amy Ledbetter of Martin, TN., Rachel Layre(Ken) of Ayer, MA., and two great grandchildren, Matt Layre and Penny Layre of Ayer, MA.

Al is survived by his brother Eddie French, and sister-in-law Sarah French of Fairfax, VA., sister, Reta Pierce of Jonesboro, AR.  Al is also survived by sisters-in-laws, Kathy French of Albuquerque, N.M., Sue French of Jonesboro, AR.,  Emily (Wilson) Lounge (Bob) of Oklahoma City, OK., and Valerie Keating (Neal) of Cabot, AR., and mother-in-law, LaVerne (Nutt) Wilson of Sherwood, AR., along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Al was a graduate of Weiner High School.  Between high school and college Al served in U. S. Army as SP4-E4, with subsequent five years of service in the National Guard.

He attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR and majored in Biblical Studies and Theology.  As a student, he was proud of helping construct the new basketball gymnasium, now known as the Bill Vining Arena.

He transferred to Arkansas State University changing his major to accounting.  He then worked for Colson Corp. in Jonesboro, AR in their accounting department, until the disastrous 1968 tornado that hit Jonesboro, AR. taking many lives and destroying buildings, including Colson.

Al then changed careers and worked for Sears in Jonesboro in sales, which proved to be his calling.  His best friend, Dan Hesse, later convinced him to work with his company, Porter Foods; Al transferred to Fayetteville with his family and started a new adventure.  Even though Al loved and excelled at sales, he received numerous management promotions and awards in the food service industry. The one he was most proud of was Kraft Foodservice’s Golden Medallion National award. It was awarded to Al and his partner, Jon Perry.  It had only been awarded twelve times in Kraft’s history.  Al retired from U.S. Foods in 2014, leaving behind many good friendships and memories.

Even though Al was a hard worker his family & friends meant the most to him, along with his faith.  Al enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf in his youth.  He also spent a lot of time boating with friends at Greers Ferry and Lake Hamilton.  Al played basketball in high school, but later his love of sports mainly included watching his children and grandchildren’s games.  He also supported Arkansas Razorbacks and Red Wolves, along with his beloved Packers!

Al was everyone’s “handy man”, if you needed anything constructed, moved or repaired, he was your man.  He loved helping people and never said No. What his family and friends will remember the most is Al always had a great laugh, a smile on his face, and his hand out to help.

Visitation will be held at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main St. North Little Rock, AR.) on Monday, December 28, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

Funeral service will be held at a later date on 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2021, at Lakewood United Methodist Church (1922 Topf Rd. North Little Rock, AR.) with internment immediately following in Church Columbarium.

COVID-19 directives mandate: Mask worn at all times, social distancing encouraged for all events.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association or Lakewood United Methodist Church in Al’s memory.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."     2 Timothy 4:7

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.