Donald Ashcraft

Donald Albert Ashcraft passed away on August 21, 2020 after losing a tumultuous battle to cancer.  He was born on February 21, 1936 in Opello, AR to the late George Herman and Ailene Hallett Ashcraft. He is survived by his wife, Rachael Green Ashcraft; brother Ted Ashcraft of Perryville; son Randy Ashcraft (Kathy) of Redfield; two daughters Donna Kubitz (Bubba) of Little Rock, and Tina Ashcraft of Little Rock; seven granddaughters, Amanda Ashcraft, Amy Kennedy, Jessica Schueck, Rachael Bolt, Jackie Ackley. Randi Ashcraft and Kaylee Kubitz; eight great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Keith Kennedy.

After graduating high school, he served five years in the US Air Force.  It was during this time, he met the love of his life, Rachel Green to whom he was married  for 63 years.

Don joined Bill Short Motors  in 1964.  Bill Short Motors became Riverside Motors and he devoted  40 years to the only place he would work.  He started in the Parts Department and  worked his way up quickly to General Manager, Vice President and Owner.  He obviously loved the automobile industry and served on many different committees and the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association Board of Directors.

Don found a greater love than cars when he bought his first horse in 1965.  He was hooked from day one and spent over 50 years competing in horse shows.  He competed in the 1989 World Quarter Horse Show and placed 2nd. He represented the horse industry well and served as past President of the Arkansas State Horse Show Association,  Arkansas National Director To American Quarter Horse Association, and serving on the AQHA Board – Judges Committee

He loved his family, his animals, driving his tractors, shooting the breeze with anyone. But everyone would agree his biggest and best known role was Poppy.    He took the role seriously and no one knew just how serious until he painted his horse trailer purple because that was what his great-grandkids wanted.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 23, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home from 2:00-4:00 P.M. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, August 24, at Redfield Cemetery. Pallbearers: Matthew Green, Eric Smith, Steve Roscoe, Eddie Henson, Jeff Honey, Jeremiah Brown. Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Matthews, Ken Tugwell, Thurman Hopkins, Ed Hinson, Bill Faulkner and Todd Tugwell.

State of AR COVID-19 directives: Face coverings required.  Maintain social distancing.

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