A J Brightwell

A.J. Brightwell, 86 of Rogers, went to his heavenly home Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Circle of Life in Bentonville, Ark. He was born April 7, 1929 to Elgan and Minnie Brightwell in Newport, Ark. He married the love of his life, Helen Teters on Aug. 19, 1954. AJ served in the United States Army earning the rank of Sergeant as a tank mechanic during the Korean War. Upon his discharge he and Helen married in Lynwood, Calif. where he worked in the grocery industry before returning to Springdale, Ark. in 1962. A.J. and Helen bought and ran the Nob Hill Grocery for eight years before selling it. He then began his career at Harps Food, Stores Inc. as a store manager in Springdale. He retired after 23 years. While growing up in Newport, Ark. A.J. developed a love for boxing which continued throughout his life. He was known as the "Arkansas Flash". He fought as a semi-pro boxer in the welterweight division while in California. After retiring A.J. and Helen enjoyed traveling, especially to Laughlin and Las Vegas, Nev. He and Helen moved to Rogers in June of 2009. A.J. loved spending time with his family and grilling out. Everything he cooked was well done! A.J. accepted Jesus as his savior later in life and was a faithful member of New Hope Fellowship Church of Springdale. He loved attending Sunday services and Tuesday Seniors Bible study. A.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Elgan and Minnie May Brightwell; two brothers, Cecil and Powell Brightwell and one sister, Grace Lowery. He is survived by his wife Helen, of the home; one son, Arthur "Art" and wife Jackie of Sacramento, Calif.; daughters, Anita Brightwell and Annette Brightwell both of Rogers, Ark.; and Angela Ariola and husband Robby of Fayetteville, Ark. ; five grandchildren, Chrissy Jackson and husband Bernard, Cole Brightwell, Christopher, Chelsea and Cameron Ariola and six great-grandchildren, Aaleyah Carson, Emma Grace Jackson, and Elijah, Malachi, Israel and Emory Ariola; one sister Pauline Sena of Oceanside, Calif.; and honorary daughter, Patti Jennings of Rogers, Ark.; as well as many nieces and nephews. Services will be Monday, April 4, 2016 at 10 a.m. at New Hope Fellowship Church in Springdale with Rev. Cliff Jenkins and Rev. Joe Layman officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Bluff Cemetery in Springdale. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Hope Fellowship Church of Springdale or Circle of Life Hospice Care at Legacy Village in Bentonville. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.