James Darrell "Doc" Alphin

Our dad, Papa, brother, Uncle Doc, and friend, James Darrell "Doc" Alphin, of Attica, Arkansas, crossed his earthly finish line, as God waved his final checkered flag on Sunday, April 27, at his home in Attica, surrounded by family. He was 77 years old. Darrell, more commonly known as "Doc", was born on September 16, 1947, in Attica, AR, to the late Joe & Pauline Taylor Alphin. Darrell lived his entire life in the Attica community, & attended school there thru the eighth grade, at which time he stayed home to help the family. On June 7, 1967, at the age of 19 years old, Darrell was drafted into the United States Army and was called to serve our country in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on January 10, 1969, as a Bronze Star recipient. Doc was a self-made person, having only an eighth-grade education, he did quite well for himself and his family. In the early years, after coming home from Vietnam, he held various jobs, such as having worked on the construction of Highway 328, worked at the Pocahontas Sale Barn, and then went on to timber harvesting. On July 29, 1972, Darrell married the love of his life, the late Reva Overman Alphin, in Attica, Arkansas. He later carved out his lifestyle and earned a living for his family selling used farm equipment, which he continued to do until his stroke in 2015. In 1985, he joined forces with neighbor and close friend, Bill Decker. The duo operated Ranco Tractor in Attica, Arkansas until the spring of 2012. They were known for bringing the Belarus tractor line to Northeast Arkansas. Darrell was a lifelong member and trustee of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Attica, Arkansas. At the time of his death, he was the member holding the longest yearly term of membership. He most recently attended Ravenden Baptist Church in Ravenden, Arkansas, with Vicki. Darrell and Reva were a cornerstone and served Oak Grove in many capacities over the years. Doc found much joy on his cattle farm. This is where he often found his quiet time with God. His favorite was tuning into a local radio station's Sunday morning gospel music program, that he listened to while he checked his cattle and farm. Doc was an avid dirt track race fan and NASCAR fan. In the late 1970's, he helped his brother and friends, operate Squaw City Speedway on Highway 115, where he was the track flagman. He was a huge fan of NASCAR driver #3, Dale Earnhardt. Since the time of Reva's unexpected passing in 2018, an even more unbreakable bond has been formed between Darrell and Vicki, as Vicki has lived with him and been his continual caregiver. In addition to his wife, Reva, and his parents, Joe & Pauline, Darrell was preceded in death by his brothers, William & Leon Alphin, & sisters Wanda Blackwell, Geneva Alphin, and Betty Getson. Darrell is survived by his daughter, Vicki Alphin of Attica, sons Marty Smith and wife Theresa of Quitman, AR, and Kenny Smith of Ash Flat, AR; grandchildren Rachel Glade and husband Andrew of Fayetteville, AR, and Noah Smith and wife Jordan of Bigelow, AR. He also leaves behind five great grandchildren: Maddux and Mason Glade, Griffin Walton, Hayes and Hadlea Smith. He is also survived by two brothers, Gerry Alphin and wife Sharon of Attica, and Randy Alphin and wife Donna of Pocahontas; a sister, Diane Anis and husband Randy, of Pocahontas, a sister-in-law, Tommie Jean Mann, of Attica, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and special friends, mourn his passing. Buddy, his dog and constant companion since his stroke, also mourns his passing. Additionally, special loved ones include Jackie Songer and Chris Jenkins. At the family's request, anyone is welcome to wear their racing shirts to the service. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, from 5-8pm with a funeral service on Friday, May 2 at 2pm. All services will be held at McNabb Funeral Home in Pocahontas, AR. Matthew Kerley, Gary Gregory, Jeremy Bundren, Larry Rogers, and Baron Wildmon will officiate. Pallbearers will include nephews David, Dustin, Cody, Travis, Heath, and Chad Alphin, Barkley Anis, and Larry Higginbotham. Honorary pallbearers will include nephews Randy Getson and Randy Joe Anis, and special friends Mike, Mark, & Tommy Ogden, Billy Sullinger, Casey Lewis, Kirk Lonidier, Jim Toney, Kenny Davis, Brad Phillips, Chad Chester, Johnny Kee, Bill Decker, Stan Honeycutt, and Kenneth Walker. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Thomas Cemetery Fund at Integrity First Bank or to the Yadkin Church Restoration Fund at 82 Caddy Lane, Pocahontas, AR.