1935-2024
The Good Lord needed a band director, so he called Alvis Robertson Worthen, Sr. Mr. Worthen, 88, of Bearden, died on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in Little Rock. Mr. Worthen was born August 20, 1935, in Pine Bluff, son of Alvis Worthen and Georgia Robertson Worthen.
He was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in the 1950s. Mr. Worthen earned his bachelor’s degree in music and theology from Ouachita Baptist University.
Mr. Worthen taught band for more than 55 years in numerous locations, including Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas. One of his most memorable teaching terms came at Rivercrest High School in Bogata, Texas, where his son, John, played trumpet. He was also very fond of his bands at Farmerville, Louisiana.
His two most recent stops were in Bearden and Hampton.
At Bearden, Mr. Worthen enjoyed great success, taking one of his early 2000s bands to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where they performed for a national audience. Additionally, several of his Bearden color guard teams received national accolades.
Mr. Worthen also traveled with his much-beloved Grady, Arkansas, band to Mardi Gras in the early 1980s.
In addition to being known as "Mr. Worthen," most importantly, he was "daddy" to his family. He led his family with pride and dignity, raising two sons to be honorable Christians. He was one of the most caring men in the world and gave his all to make his children happy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and love of his life, Francine Vann Worthen.
Survivors include his two sons, John Michael Worthen of Bearden and Alvis “Bucky” Worthen, Jr. (Stephanie) of Bearden; grandson, Jory Worthen; sister, Kathryn Ramick; two nephews, Stewart Ramick (Sharon) and Jason Ramick; and great-niece, Maddie Ramick.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Brother Mark Posey officiating. Visitation will be Saturday afternoon from until 12:30 p.m. until service time at Robinson’s. Burial will be private at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Francine and Alvis Worthen Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 124, Bearden, AR 71720.
