Rex Nelson Hyatt

Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Rex Nelson Hyatt of Pine Bluff, peacefully departed this earth on Thursday, August 27, 2009, to reunite with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on September 26, 1935 in Herbine, Arkansas, Rex was the child of the late T. A. Alonzo and Elma Holderfield Hyatt. One of five children, Rex was preceded in death by sisters Maxine Rauls, Ione Petroff and brother, Odell Hyatt. He attended Free Hill and Rison High School where he was a member of the 1950 Rison Wildcat Championship Football team and a 1953 graduate. In 1956 Rex married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Gray Hyatt and made their home in Pine Bluff. Rex was a devoted husband and father.

His quick wit, knack for storytelling and love for a good practical joke brought laughter to all who knew him. A lifelong blood donor, Rex was a compassionate, caring and courageous man who had a big heart and always wanted to do the right things (Rison High School Yearbook, 1955). Rex had an admirable work ethic yet his life was content and full. His greatest pleasures came from family, hunting, fishing, and playing pitch with friends. Rex enjoyed woodworking and lent his talents in support of his church.

Rex retired from Gaylord Paper Mill after 32 years of service. He was a member of the White Sulpher Masonic Lodge and a co-founder of Rison High School Football/College Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Hyatt is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Gray Hyatt of Pine Bluff; two daughters, Tonya Gray Hyatt of Reno, Nevada, Tammy Hyatt Blaylock of North Little Rock; brother, Lewis Hyatt of McGehee; two granddaughters, Adrienne Blaylock and Audrey Blaylock and son-in-law Anthony (Tony) Blaylock.

A gathering of remembrance and celebration of his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday August 30, 2009 at Good Faith Carr United Methodist Church in Watson Chapel. Family visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Good Faith Carr United Methodist Church, 3703 Ryburn Road, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603, the Alzheimers Foundation, 10411 West Markham, Suite 130, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-1409, or the Arkansas Community Foundation, RHS Championship Scholarship, Union Station 1400 West Markham, Suite 206, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870)325-6216.