Neil Cherry

Neil Quincy Cherry, 86, of Waldron, Arkansas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, as their voices joined together singing the old hymns he cherished, Neil peacefully left this world, eager to meet his Savior face to face.

Neil was born on November 2, 1939, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Herbert Douglas Cherry and Ollie Irene (Rodgers) Cherry. With his father serving in the U.S. Navy, Neil's early years took him to Washington, D.C., San Diego, and several other places before the family settled in Waldron, Arkansas, where he grew up and became a lifelong resident.

On December 22, 1957, Neil married the love of his life, Wanda Jean (Hawkins) Cherry. Together they shared 67 wonderful years and raised five children: Neil Russell, Elizabeth Denise "Beth", Tammy Amelia, Randal Vernan "Randy", and Quincy Brett.

Neil served his country with great pride in both the U.S. Army and the Arkansas National Guard for a combined service of ten years. He was deeply patriotic and loved his country. In 1974, he opened Cherry Auto Parts in Waldron, where he worked faithfully until 2001, becoming a trusted friend and familiar face to nearly everyone in town. While in business he demonstrated his heart for helping people. No matter when the phone rang, whether in the middle of the night or Christmas morning, he'd grab his keys, open the parts store, and make sure everyone from loggers to locals had what they needed to get their job done.

In 2015, his love for his community led him to serve as Mayor of Waldron, continuing his lifelong mission of helping others.

Neil was a man who truly lived his faith. He was one of the founders of Manna Ministries, served as President of the Waldron School Board, President of the Downtown Merchants Association, Board Member of the Scott County Senior Citizen Center, President of GCE, and was a devoted church deacon of First Baptist Church. His faith in God guided everything he did, and his kindness, generosity, and servant's heart left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

To his family, friends, and community, Neil was affectionately known as Pop, and he truly was everyone's Pop. Even in his final days, the nurses who cared for him lovingly called him by that name. His warmth, humor, and love for people made him someone others were naturally drawn to. Pop's life was a living example of faith, humility, and love. He didn't just talk about God's love-he showed it in the way he lived and the way he treated everyone around him.

Woodworking became one of Pop's greatest passions. After retiring, he spent countless hours in his shop creating beautiful pieces by hand, each one made with care and pride. In recent years, he especially enjoyed making clocks and lamps-treasures that now grace many homes throughout Waldron as a reminder of his skill and generosity.

Neil's life was a living testimony to the scripture;
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

He is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda Jean Cherry; daughters Beth Self (Bruce) and Tammy Thompson (Roger); sons Randy Cherry (Cynthia) and Brett Cherry (Robin); grandchildren Amelia Sanford (Josh), Bobby Cherry, Dustin Faber, JoBeth Hilliard (Shane), Blake Cherry, Brandy Cherry, Tommi Ellis, Austin Holloway (Macie), Ajay Cherry, and Piper Cherry; 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren; as well as 2 nieces Jalene Newborn Casias and Shanon Newborn Hodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Irene Cherry; his son Neil Russell Cherry; his sisters Carolyn Cherry and Sharon Cherry Newborn (Paul); and his son-in-law Tommy Ellis.

Neil will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love of family, his deep sense of duty, and his lifelong desire to serve others. His legacy of love and service will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Neil's celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 10, 2025 at the Waldron First Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Crow and Rev. Ken Overturf officiating.

Neil's visitation will be Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Memorial/Monetary donations may be made to Manna Ministries of Waldron or Scott County Senior Citizens Center.