Terrell Kuykendall

Terrell Alan Kuykendall, 70, of North Little Rock, walked, without the limp he’d had since beating polio as a child, through the Pearly Gates of Heaven on April 25, 2019, with his family by his side.  He was born October 21, 1948 in Gurdon, Arkansas.  He was the son of Luther Terrell and Aline Kuykendall, who preceded him in death.

Alan, as his friends knew him, was an electronics technician for over 25 years, employed by SkyTravel Avionics and Central Flying Service. Health issues forced him to retire early, but he enjoyed having the extra time with family, especially his grandchildren, and time to play his guitar.

He is survived by two children, Terry Kuykendall of Cabot, Arkansas, and Tiffany Kuykendall of North Little Rock; brother Joe Kuykendall and wife Cindy of Hot Springs Village; niece Kristal Kuykendall; nephew Matthew Kuykendall and Domenick Greto; and eight grandchildren, Katherine (Khakee), Kamryn, Kenna, Maxx, Anna, Brock, Scott and Elise.

Alan was an avid sports fan and especially loved baseball.  He started playing baseball in Pony League, Babe Ruth League, and eventually played three years of American Legion ball.   Despite his handicap, he was an All Star pitcher and won an MVP award one year for his outstanding pitching and batting average.  He had a mean curve ball.

Alan was also a music lover and played the guitar for most of his life.  He loved to play and sing songs by some of his favorite early country music stars like Jimmy Rogers, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and a few dozen others. He hosted countless jam sessions at his home, and almost every time the family got together, the guitars would eventually make an appearance.

He loved the outdoors. He liked to roam the backroads in an old pickup truck, ride his 4-wheeler scouting for deer signs or just check out the lay of the land.  He especially enjoyed hunting while at his cabin in the mountains above the Illinois Bayou, north of Hector.  He once remarked to a family member when asked why he loved to hunt so much: “I’m at peace when I’m in the woods.”  He is at peace always, now, and though we will miss him, we look forward to joining his heavenly jam session someday.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Rest Hills Memorial Park.