He was blessed to have Christian parents who guided him in the ways of the Lord. He became a Christian at age 9 and surrendered to the ministry at the age of 19. His heart’s desire was to follow God’s direction for a ministry to lead, equip and shepherd His people through evangelism, discipleship and pastoral care. In every aspect of his life, he submitted himself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and surrendered to the guidance of God’s word and His Holy Spirit. He believed this was God’s calling on his life for His glory.
He was licensed to the ministry by Ione Baptist Church in Booneville Arkansas in 1969. He was ordained to the ministry by Calvary Baptist Church in Mansfield Arkansas in 1970. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Ouachita Baptist University in 1975 and with a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary in 1978.
He married the love of his life, Marsha on December 28, 1973. He was a devoted husband whose unwavering love and companionship spanned nearly five decades. He loved her and doted on her from the very beginning. His deep commitment and enduring affection for his wife created a rich tapestry of shared joys, weathered challenges, and lasting memories. The legacy of their love story will continue to inspire those touched by the enduring bond they shared. She was his everything.
He loved his family more than anything. He was a father whose love for his daughters was a beacon of strength and tenderness. His enduring support, wise guidance, and boundless affection created an eternal gift of love that will resonate through the lives of his beloved daughters, a testament to the enduring power of a father’s love. He was so proud of them and their families.
He was a devoted “Papa” whose heart overflowed with unconditional love for his grandchildren. They brought so much joy and happiness into his life.
He was a dedicated and faithful pastor of James Fork Baptist Church in Mansfield Arkansas, where his commitment to spiritual guidance, compassionate leadership and heartfelt service profoundly impacted the lives of congregants, leaving an enduring legacy of faith and love within the church he served so faithfully.
He also served as pastor of Maple Grove Baptist Church in Trumann, Arkansas, Immanuel Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Immanuel Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas and associate pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Pocola, Oklahoma.
During the last several years, he was a substitute teacher for the Fort Smith Public School District. His vibrant spirit illuminated countless classrooms with laughter and joy. His infectious laughter and delightful jokes brightened the days of both students and office staff alike. His genuine love for the daily interaction with students and camaraderie with the school’s teachers and office staff created an environment where learning was not only educational but also a celebration of shared smiles and light-hearted moments.
His gentle guidance, warm laughter, and cherished moments will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha Kay Maness; two daughters, Sara Craig and husband, Blain of Midlothian, Texas and Jessica Simmons and husband, Josh of Fort Smith, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Ashton Craig of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ethan Craig of Midlothian Texas, Caleb Maness and Raegan and Zada Simmons of Fort Smith Arkansas; sister, Deb Maness of Leesville, LA and his brother, Jimmy Maness of Barling, AR. He was preceded in death by parents, Jimmie Maness and Zada Sue Maness, brother, Tommy Maness and mother and father-in-law, Robert and Helen Dorris.
Viewing for Dickie will be held Thursday, December 7 from 1 – 7 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood, Arkansas, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Funeral service will be Friday, December 8 at 1 p.m. at James Fork Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arkansas officiated by his son-in-law, Blain Craig. Interment will follow at Hartford Memorial Park, Hartford, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Caleb Maness, Ethan Craig and nephews, Tony Maness, Tim Maness, Mark Maness, Pete Voorhies, Andrew Maness and son-in-law, Josh Simmons. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Maness, George Dorris, Mike Dorris, Blair Ward, Rick Cox, Roger Edwards, Lloyd McFerran, Deacons of James Fork Baptist Church, friends and church family of James Fork Baptist Church and MHS Class of 1968.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
