Odie Andrew Kirtley, Jr.

Odie Andrew Kirtley, Jr. of Benton, Arkansas, passed away May 21, 2025.

Odie was born September 21, 1947 in Dumas, Arkansas to Mr. and Mrs. Odie Andrew Kirtley, Sr. and was the youngest of their 3 children (sisters Jean and Tommie Sue). Odie graduated from Dumas High School in 1965. Then attended college at Mississippi State University and was also a member of the National Guard. Odie returned to Dumas to pursue a career in farming, following in his father’s footsteps. Odie and his wife Phyllis left Dumas and moved to Benton, Arkansas in 2004.

Odie’s passion his entire life was the outdoors. And it didn’t matter what time of year or the weather, there was always something he enjoyed doing outdoors. From hunting and fishing on Big Island with his closest friends and family to sitting in the swing under a shade tree watching birds, to mowing, gardening and tending to his and Phyllis’ massive 3 ½ acre, magazine featured, distinctively designed grounds, full of magnificant flower beds of Daylillies and Iris, beautiful trees, stone steps and winding walkways. An oasis he and Phyllis have built and worked on every day since they moved to Benton.

Odie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Phyllis, his daughter, Leighann Kirtley Arthur of Bryant, his son, Josh Kirtley (and wife Bobbi) of Cabot, and Michael Cunningham of Bryant and daughter Maegen Hearn of Gillett. Grandchildren: Chase Arthur, Layni Kirtley, Morgan Gipson, and Michael Cunningham Jr. Great-Grandchildren: Rayleigh Arthur, Hayden Gipson, Cason Stitt and Tate Stitt. And sister Jean Bridges(husband Harold) of Judsonia.

Odie is preceeded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Odie Kirtley Sr. and his sister Tommie Sue Sanford, son-in-law, Ronnie Arthur, daughter, Sonia Maier and his faithful fur baby, Buddy Ruff.

Odie was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Benton.

We are so grateful to Dr. Gentry and her staff at Carti Benton for their kindness, compassion and care of our husband, father, Papa O and friend.

In leiu of flowers please send your donations to CARTI(www.carti.com/foundation)or Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch(www.youthranches.com)