Arthur Edward Bettis

Arthur Edward Bettis, 82, of Tyronza, Arkansas departed this life on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born on July 17, 1942, to Algie and Gladys Hughes Bettis in Royal, Arkansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenna Diggs (Elmer), Marvin Bettis (Alma), Opal Upton (Percy), Octavia Wagner, John Bettis (Edna), Emogene McKee (Eual, “Cokey”), Alfred Bettis (Mary Lou) and Lorene West.

Arthur is survived by his wife Carolyn Bettis, two daughters: daughter: Melissa Watson (Chuck) and Jennifer Meeks (Tim), three sons: Eddie Bettis (Lisa) and Artie Bettis (Brittany) all of Hot Springs, Tyler Bettis of Germantown, Tennessee, two step-children: Tina Sheppherd (Danny) of Earle, Arkansas and Jeff Parker (Edna) of Tyronza, Arkansas, eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, one brother: Algie Bettis, Jr. (Teresa) of Proctor, Arkansas, brother in law: LA Fraley (Patty) of Tyronza, Arkansas, sister: Geraldine Lewis of Tucson, Arizona and sister-in-law: Margaret Ross of Manila.

Arthur was a proud member of the Teamsters Union and retired from Yellow Freight Trucking after numerous years. In his early career, he was a truck driver for Commercial Carriers. He was a “Mr. fix it” or “let’s see how it’s made kind of man.” He loved fishing and eating good food. An amateur pitmaster, folks would fight over his wings and steaks. Until the very end, he lived life on his own terms. He was not perfect, but was loved deeply, faults and all.

A funeral will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Delancey Funeral Home in Marked Tree.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Delancey Funeral Home in Marked Tree.

Burial will follow service at Lowe Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. at Royal, Arkansas.

Brother Rick Kimery will officiate the service.

A special thank you to NEA Baptist Hospital and Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home, Marked Tree.