Griffin Leggett (Rest Hills) Funeral Home
copied by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
on Saturday, July 29, 2006
Winston "Mack" Risner, age 76, of Cabot, AR, passed away at his home on July 26th. He was born in Walcot, AR., son of the late James L. Risner and Allie (Grayson) Risner.
Mr. Risner retired from the US Air Force and Federal Civil Service having 43 combined service. He especially loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. Mr. Risner was a member of Elks Lodge #1795, Ft Walton Beach, FL, and Masonic Lodge #129, Jonesboro, AR. He was a Baptist.
Mr. Risner is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, James Risner, Jr. and Thomas Risner, and sister Joyce Chruscial. He is survived by his wife, Betty Ann Risner of Cabot; son Steven (Teresa) Risner, Casselberry, FL; daughter Rosemary Morgan, Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren; Noelani (Billy) Richardson; Jade Morgan, Las Vegas, NV; Timothy and Olivia Risner, Casselberry, FL; and one great granddaughter, Bianca Richardson, Las Vegas, NV; sister Javine Pratt, Pinion Hills, CA and brother Wayne and sister-in-law Janice Risner, Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Myron and Peggy Rhodes, Maumelle, AR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held Sunday, 2:00 PM on July 30, 2006 at the Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Chapel, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, with Jerry Nipper officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bethlehem Methodist Church, 1281 Bethlehem Rd, Austin, AR 72007 or the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University, Little Rock, AR 72203.
Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, AR 72117 (501) 835-3515.
To sign the online guest book go to www.griffinleggett.com.
"We are here today to celebrate the life of my father. Dad was universally liked and, given his humble beginnings, he achieved a great deal through hard work, dedication and perseverance. He chose always to do the right thing, even when that choice was the hardest option. He was humble and always put others first. Dad had a quiet, understated manner and didn't want to tout his own accomplishments. One day, while performing his daily visit to the flight line at Homestead Air Force Base, he discovered a crowd watching a burning F-104 parked perilously close to a loaded missile trailer. Without thinking of his own safety, he took charge and led a small group in removing the trailer from harm's way and the plane's subsequent explosion. Afterwards, Dad simply got back in his truck and went back to work – business as usual. He was surprised, when months later, he was recognized for his leadership and bravery by being presented with the Airman's Medal 
– the highest non-combat honor that can be bestowed on anyone.
"He and Mom were married for over 56 years and raised their family all over the world. Rose and I came along when they were quite young, but they did not let that deter them. We have been blessed to have had Dad as a part of our lives for all these years. He always put his family first and we will miss his patient and kind sense of humor - Dad never missed a chance to pitch one of his corny jokes! To my daughter Olivia, he was her patient partner for mini golf and donut runs; to my son Tim, he was an excellent source of life lessons and car care advice. Both of them loved his unique game of "Westinghouse" – a competition to see who could stay still the longest. To my wife, Teresa, he was a kind and loving father, and to me he was always my mentor and role model.
"Thanks for giving us all so much, Dad. You will always be with us in our hearts – we love you."
"I first met my Dad in July of 1952.
"Dad gave us many gifts...
"The gift of Family Fun: From lots of boating, swimming, and waterskiing, to Sunday drives with our dog Susie in the old convertible jalopy to get A&W rootbeer floats; to watching the boats unload and load at the docks, wherever we lived. The fun we had of Dad convincing me every morning at the breakfast table that he really did have an invisible pet alligator named George in his pajama-top pocket!
"He gave us the gift of story-telling: One of my favorites is of the time his two older brothers, Jim and Tom, and Dad were catching fish in a very dried up pond with little water left and lots of fish. The older boys would catch the fish with their hands and put into buckets while Dad's job was to beat the snakes away with a stick!
"Oh, and he gave us the gift of laughter and humor: Dad always had new jokes or something funny from a late-night show to make us all laugh. He had a keen sense of humor and wit. He knew that we all would develop our own sense of humor to pass on and to help us get through Life's good and difficult times.
He gave us LOVE. Love for our Family, and relatives, and friends, and mankind. Love for our country. Love for the Simple Things in Life. But most importantly, he gave us a Father's most Special gift: The gift of always showing us how much he loved our Mother.
"For these gifts, I honor and love my Father.
"I will miss you, Dad, but I know you will always be with me and will always be by my side.
"Lovingly, your daughter, Rosemary Risner Morgan"