ALVA ARLEN HOLLINGSWORTH

Alva Hollingsworth, 94, of Gainesville, MO passed to heaven on October 12, 2012 at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, AR. He was born on August 31, 1918 in Oakland, AR, the son of John and Buna (Johnson) Hollingsworth.

Alva was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. Sgt. Alva Hollingsworth entered the service at age 24 and served from 1942-1945. He participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944. Assigned to Battery A, 447th Anti Aircraft Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, he also participated in the Hurtgen Forest Battle, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Rhineland Campaign. Alva was very proud of his service to his country, and rightfully so. He was blessed to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on October 12 of last year.

Alva was united in marriage to Phyllis (Fox) Evans on July 2, 1977. They have enjoyed a wonderful 35 years together. Alva loved his family very much. He loved serving the Lord and his church family. He was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed restoring old Ford Mustangs. His grandchildren adored him and he had nicknames for all of them. He never said a bad word about anyone. He walked through this world with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Alva was a Christian and a wonderful example for us all to follow.

Alva was preceded in death by his parents, John and Buna Hollingsworth; his sister Keydron Payne; one son Layne Evans; one grandson John Suter; and one nephew Jack Payne. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of the home in Gainesville, MO; his children Glenda Douglas and husband Allen, Rhonda Suter and husband Mark, Anita Shikany and husband Jim and David Hollingsworth and wife Mary; one brother J.H. Hollingsworth and wife Pauline; his grandchildren Jeff Douglas, Jennifer Douglas Dabney and husband James, Seth Suter, Jason Rackley, Alex Hollingsworth, and Will Hollingsworth; great grandchildren Cooper High, Keaton Dabney, Kursten Suter, Westley Suter, Lauren Suter, Lakyn Suter, Laney Suter, Jace Shikany and Isabella Donegan; nieces and nephews: Anna Gustafson and Bob, Glenna Hartman and Gary, Betty Brown and Rob, Randy Payne, Missy Hollingsworth, Doyle Hollingsworth and Dink Hollingsworth; and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Alva will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, October 15, 2012 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO with Bro. Dale Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Clear Springs Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, October 14th from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Clear Springs Cemetery. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.