James "Cotton" Ray Hastings

James Ray “Cotton” Hastings, 76, of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away March 22, 2022.  He was born January 24, 1946 in Laneburg, Arkansas to the late Louis Henry and Myrtle (Steeley) Hastings. 

Cotton worked installing drywall for over forty years.  He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, gardening, and working his produce stand. He was known in Saline County and surrounding areas as “Cottons Produce”.  Cotton was a simple man who adored his family. Many of his children’s friends considered him their “second Dad”. His grand-daughter, Riley Jo, was the apple of his eye. We never knew the mischief they would get into-from painting the chickens toenails to making mud pies and having tea parties on the front porch.

Preceding Cotton in death are his parents, Louis and Myrtle Hastings; brothers:  Floyd Hastings, Lloyd Hastings, and Jim Hastings; and sisters, Edith Hunter and Christine Sutton.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of over fifty-three years, Martha Hastings; children:  Carey Hastings, Brandy Hastings, and Nicki Murphy (Darrel); step-children: Kathryn Mann and John Reynolds (Christy); grandchildren:  Riley Jo, Jack, Derek, Wesley, Bradley, Jesse, Dani, and Jon; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters Shirley Nicholson and Avalene Lewis; and many family members and friends who love Cotton and will miss him always.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 29, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 30 at New Salem Cemetery in Laneburg, Arkansas.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.