James Cramer Warnock

James Warnock was raised in Smackover, Arkansas and enjoyed playing sports, especially football while in high school and then at Ouachita Baptist University where he graduated with a degree in science. Following his service in the Korean War, he and his wife, Elsie, lived in McAllen, Texas one year and then moved to El Dorado to raise their family. They relocated to Van Buren in 2016.

Mr. Warnock enjoyed his environmental work over the course of his career in the labs of American Oil, Lion Oil, and El Dorado Chemical. To supplement his family income he designed and welded ornamental iron porch and stair rails. Much of his work can still be seen around the Union County area today.

Mr. Warnock was a deacon and Sunday School teacher in the 7-year old department at Immanuel Baptist Church for many years. He volunteered in many community activities. He was a “jack of all trades,” able to repair or build almost anything. He was always on the lookout for someone needing help and would step in to do what was needed.

In his 80s Mr. Warnock still volunteered with Civitans to build access ramps “for the elderly folks” and he volunteered with Special Olympics. He could be seen regularly working out and walking the tracks at Healthworks and Champagnolle Landing.

He had an artist’s eye and was talented in making small metal sculptures from scrap iron. He was a recipient of the Five Who Care Award. David Uth, his pastor at the time said of Mr. Warnock, “He is an impact player in whatever he does.”

Mr. Warnock was the son of Arch and Sudie Warnock and had three brothers, Billy, Reed, and Ross. He is survived by his wife Elsie Kennedy Warnock, and two children, Jim Warnock and spouse Becca, of Alma, and Martha Warnock Kyzer and spouse Larry, of Alexander, Arkansas. Grandchildren are Jeremy Baker, of Little Rock; Amber Baker Anderson, of Moore, OK; Christen Warnock, of Conway; Anna Warnock Lucas and spouse Taylor, of Cookeville, TN. Great grandchildren are Jesiah Gray Baker and Samuel Dan Lucas. His nieces and nephews are Bobbi Collier, Linda Estell, Carol Kennedy-Forgy, Sue Warnock, Mike Warnock, and Phyllis Warnock Wells.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Young’s Funeral Home. Memorial service will be at Young’s on Wednesday, January 16 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jimmy Meek officiating. Burial will follow at Bethesda Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Immanuel Baptist Church Library Fund and El Dorado Civitans. Honorary pallbearers are El Dorado Civitans.

An online registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.