Rev. E.L. Redding

Rev. E.L. Redding, age 93, of Van Buren, graduated with honors to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. He was born September 2, 1931 near North Little Rock to Isaac and Rosie Redding. Rev. Redding was ordained by the Pentecostal Church of God for 68 years and served as State Superintendent for 20 years, Assistant National Superintendent for 15 years, Global Missions Director and a member of the national and Arkansas State board for over 60 years. He was a mentor to hundreds of ministers. During his time as State Superintendent, the Arkansas District grew from 69 to 127 churches. Rev. Redding seemed to have success in every pastorate and leadership where God led him. Possibly, this was because his motto, which is on his gravesite, is “He loved God and people and sought to serve both.”

Survivors include his wife of nearly 72 years, Laverne; sons, Dr. Phil Redding (Sharon), Bob (Sherry), and James; brothers, Charles from Heber Springs, Linzie from St. Louis, and Gene from Biloxi; ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of close friends across the world.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 at River of Life Fellowship in Fort Smith with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be David Blackard, Jim Parrish, Dan Garnes, Shannon Huff, Drew Fillyaw, and Kenneth Baldridge. Honorary pallbearers will be the Arkansas PCG District Board.

The family will visit with friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church, 6101 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith.