Nathan Ray Laughlin

Nathan Ray Laughlin 47, “has Gone fishin' to his Heavenly Honey Hole” at 11:22 pm July 8, 2019 at his residence in Velvet Ridge.  He was born Dec. 20, 1971, in Freeport, Texas.

Nathan received a Glioblastoma (brain cancer) diagnosis on Oct. 20, 2017.  He fought a valiant fight with Jesus by his side. His positive attitude never waivered.  He wanted to be a testimony to the love of Christ.  "If having this tumor brings one person closer to God, then it is all worth it."

He was a family man; storyteller and avid fisherman.  He liked to eat a tasty meal with good company and embellish on a good tale. 

He was greeted in Heaven by his daddy, Jim Laughlin; grandparents, Layo & Edna Cupples, Lola Mae Laughlin and Bernice Laughlin; and Gary Soileau, (Pa-in-Law).

Back at the house, he leaves many whose lives have been greatly touched by him: his wife, Jamie Soileau Laughlin, (he called her Babe, Jame, JRL 'Jurl'); daughter, Hanah Laughlin Watkins, (he called her H-Rae, HRL 'Hurl', said she is "tougher than a Salt Water Croc") & son in law, Cody Watkins (he called him "Son"); his adored grandbabies, Emma, Michael & Aidyn.  Mom & dad Danita & Grover Pitts; In- laws, Glenn & Gloria Armentor; brothers & sisters in-law, Randall & Milissa Laughlin, Jason & Shelly Soileau, Gary & Lisa Pitts, Don & Jennifer Pitts, Curtis & Judy Pitts, Zach Armentor, and Lacy Armentor Winslow; nephews, Grant Soileau, and JD Laughlin; nieces, Madison Soileau, Lyndsey Laughlin, and Shelby Moore; his “podnahs”, fishing buddies, and longtime pals, Robert Kilsby, Michael Lay, Ricky Lindsey, Troy Wesley; his beloved Aunt Micki and Uncle Bill Duncan, as well as a host of extended family.

Nathan did not want a funeral.  He was overwhelmed by the love and support he was shown by family, friends and even strangers.  Being remembered during his illness left him speechless...that was no easy task for Nathan...a man of many words. His family will have a private ceremony at his favorite place to fish, Lake Sam Rayburn. 

Donations may be made in Nathan's memory to Gospel Fellowship Church 1539 Newport Rd. Batesville, AR 72501 and Unity Health Foundation 1200 South Main. Searcy, AR. 72143.  Or, you can pay it forward like Nathan did and buy a stranger a meal, anonymously pay for a tank of gas, or pick up the tab for the vehicle behind you in the drive thru.

Special thanks for the outpouring of love and support is extended to our church family at Gospel Fellowship in Batesville; Nathan's Bryce Corp work family; Jamie's Unity Health work family and of course the friends and family who have prayed continuously through this time of Illness.

We’re very indebted to Dr. Ryan Koch, Dr. Ali Krisht, and Dr. Cheryl Payne for not only treating his cancer but for their texts and calls of concern, the over-the-top involvement, and most importantly...your prayers - "Thank You".

Also to the care teams at Unity Health White County Medical Center, Pyeatt Family Cancer Center, Arkansas Neuroscience Institute, CARTI, Unity Health Home Health & nurse Kevin Newsom and the team at Hospice of Central Arkansas with special thanks to Letty Squires & Kati Walker.

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