Alfred Gene Eddins

Alfred G. Eddins, 92, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 23, after a valiant and brave battle with cancer. Born to Jack and Zelma Eddins, he was raised in Des Arc, Arkansas. He was an Army veteran who fought in the Korean war conflict.

Al began his career with the Coca Cola Company while living in Brinkley where he also met and married his first wife, Marie Rodgers. They were married for 35 years. He later moved to Little Rock working for the Little Rock Coca Cola company. He retired from Coca Cola where he was the Cooler Department Manager for many years. Because of his tall stature, he was affectionately known as Big Al. He had a vast knowledge of Coke machines and was a great common-sense leader.

"Papaw" has always told us that when he dies we must bury him with at least one dollar in his pocket. His reasoning is because he said he was blessed to have never been without money in his pocket. We teased him and said we would write him a check. He laughed but he was serious. It's ok, we made a promise and kept it. A whole dollar even though we know that he won't need it in heaven. Still, a promise kept.

Just two days before he passed away, we were in the living room and he was quietly resting in his recliner. He could no longer walk, could barely hear, he wasn't eating but a few bites of ice cream a day. He spent most of his time with his eyes closed when he wasn't reminding us of all we are going to need soon. He was reassured over and over that all was taken care of and was as he requested "Don't change a thing," he said.

It was Sunday morning and I asked if he minded if I listened to Brother Paul preach at my church since I didn't attend. He opened his eyes and said, "yes and turn it up so I can hear it too." If you were at East Union church that morning you would know that the sermon was absolutely perfect for the time. He was reminded of everything that was important to see Jesus again. It was wonderful and such a blessing

He is preceded in death not only by his parents and an infant brother, but by his second wife Louise Sledge. Al and Louise had a true love story. They married on Valentines Day 1995. They had a beautiful life traveling and enjoying each others company. They were both Christians and loved going to church together. The sweetest couple you ever met. Although, it was a shortened time when he lost her to cancer after only eleven years.

Al was a very strong and honorable man, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law, uncle and friend, proud patriot until his very last breath. There was none better. We will miss him tremendously. Not only by us but also by the nurses and CNA's that have been taking care of him at the assisted living. So many said they fell in love with him. He is being buried with a sweet letter written to him by one of his CNA's. Renisha, if you are here - he loved you too, honey.

Al is survived by his only child, son Dale (wife, Melissa), his two grandchildren Andrea Kirkwood (EG) and Dustin Eddins (Dominque) all of Little Rock. His great-grandsons, Guy and Aaron and another sweet soul on the way. Also, a sister, Josie Long and her family of Cabot.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:30am at Smith NLR Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR. Funeral will follow. Burial will be in the Veteran's section at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander.