Obituaries

John Richard Shores

Photo of John Richard Shores
John Richard Shores, 75, of Bentonville, Ark. passed away Sunday, September 20, 2015 in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born May 9, 1940 in Rogers, Ark. to Raymond Oscar and Ruby Beaver Shores. He owned and operated Bentonville Furniture, Inc. in downtown Bentonville for 40 years until him and his wife, Mary Kay, closed the store and retired in May of 2000. He was past president of the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association and was a 2011 Retail Inductee into the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association Hall of Fame. John was an active supporter of the Bentonville community, and he worked behind the scenes for decades to help develop downtown Bentonville. In the late 70's, he founded the non-profit organization Downtown Development, Inc., and he continued to serve on the board until his death. He helped to form the Downtown Bentonville Parking District and served as its commissioner for many years. He served on the Bentonville City Council, the Benton County Historical Society and was a volunteer firefighter in his early years. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Bentonville for over 25 years where he served as a trustee and as a member of several committees. He was active in Methodist's Men's Ministry and cooked breakfast for the men every Tuesday morning. For many years he transported to Arkansas Children's Hospital, the quilts made by Granny's Quilts Ministry. In his spare time, John enjoyed traveling in his RV with Mary Kay, making Artesia wood wall art and stain glass pieces, restoring old Volkswagens, and spending time with family and friends. John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Kay Shores; daughter, Sandy Loveless and husband, Matt, and son, Gregg Shores and wife, Lori all of Bentonville; five grandchildren, Mary Beth, Luke and Jon Thomas Loveless and Justin Shores all of Bentonville, and Kayla Fitts of Harrison; and two great-grandchildren, Kynslie and Kaidyn of Harrison. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Bentonville. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Bentonville with the Rev. Dr. Kurt Boggan officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Hart Cemetery on South Rainbow Road in Bentonville. Memorials may be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd Street, Bentonville, Ark. 72712. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Online condolences may be made to stockdalefuneral.com.

Published September 23, 2015

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