Deacon Walter Gene Dismute
Deacon Walter Gene Dismute was born April 28, 1947, to the late Johnny and Rena (Golden) Dismute in Harrell, Arkansas. He was the sixth of twelve children born to this union. Our beloved Vietnam Veteran departed his life on Saturday, Novvmber 13, 2021, at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.
In 1969, Walter Gene was drafted into the United States Army and served as military police officer during the Vietnam War. After he returned home, he remained loyal to the country he served.
Walter Gene accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of First Baptist Church in Harrell, Arkansas where he remained a devoted member until his death. Walter Gene served as the Sunday School Superintendent, on the Deacon Board, and worked diligently in the Greater Bradley District Association, Section 3. For the Greater Bradley District, Section 3, he served as a member of the Trustee Board and always wanted to ensure that First Baptist Church in Harrell was represented in the association. Walter Gene was recognized for his contributions and services over the years.
Being a mentor to many, Walter Gene mentorship extended beyond the walls of the church. His 46-year career as a truck driver provided opportunities not only to drive trucks but to train new truck drivers. He served in these capacities until he retired in 2015. This gave him the opportunity to spend more time with his family. Walter Gene loved cooking for the reunion and fishing.
On April 30, 1971, Walter Gene united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, JoAnn Moore Dismute. From this 50-year union, two children were born-his infant son preceded him in death. His wife, daughter, Marcia Hopkins and son-in-law, Quinton Hopkins devoted their lives to ensuring that he had optimal care.
Walter Gene leaves to cherish his memories: His devoted wife of 50 years, JoAnn Dismute of Harrell, Arkansas; a daughter, Marcia Hopkins and son-in law Quinton Hopkins of Little Rock, Arkansas. Two grandchildren, Quinton Hopkins, Jr. and Karrington Hopkins of Little Rock, Arkansas. Four sisters: Peggy Moore, Jearlean Smith, and Mae Ashely (James) of Hampton, Arkansas, and Linda Alexander (Reginal) of Little Rock, Arkansas. Two brothers: John Dismute (Margaret) and Lonny Dismute (Georgia) of Fordyce, Arkansas. Two aunts: Marjorie Moore (James) of Winslow, Arizona and Gloria Golden of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Walter Gene had a special cousin and friend, Billy Wood that provided unwavering friendship and support. Walter Gene and JoAnn raised the late Johnetter Hempstead from the age of six. Nurturing and raising Johnetter, she gave birth to two children in which they consider an extended part of their immediate family. These two children are Antonio Cook of Camden, Arkansas and Elrando Hempstead, Jr. of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Five siblings preceding him in death: Almarie Roper, Gladysteen Parham, Andrew Dismute, Vernell Dismute and Dorothy Sumler.