Bruce David McConnell

Bruce D. McConnell of Dardanelle passed away on February 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Bruce was born on February 20, 1935 in Yell County at the base of Moore's Hill Cemetery to the late Bruce G. and Leotta McConnell. He attended Dardanelle High School then earned a bachelor degree from Arkansas Tech in Russellville which he attended on a football scholarship. He played football and baseball and was awarded all-conference honors in both sports. He entered the US Army in 1957. While in service he served in Germany, Vietnam, and Iran; received a master's degree from the University of Maryland; and attended the Army War College. He retired in 1985 with the rank of Colonel.

Bruce was very involved in his community and Church. He served on the Dardanelle City Council, The Dardanelle Hospital Board and the Sharing and Caring food bank's Board. As a member of the First Methodist Church, he served on the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee. He also played a significant role in the purchase of the Summer's property, the administration building and the design and construction of the Family Life Center. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the VFW.

He is survived by three daughters: Beth Holler and husband John of St. Robert MO, Stephanie Pulliam and husband Doug of Monroe GA, and Susan Haile and husband Howard of Searcy, AR; Six grandchildren: Major Donald Bruce Holler serving in the Middle East with US Area Support Group Jordan, James Holler (Carley) of Kansas City MO, Christopher Pulliam (Whitney) of Marietta GA, Patricia Kinnard (Andrew) of Watkinsville GA, Noah Haile of Searcy AR and Seth Haile (Allison) of Ward AR; Four great grandchildren: Brooks and Miles Pulliam, Selah Haile and John Leo Holler. Additionally, a brother-in-law Ronald Merritt and wife Martha of Dardanelle, and two nephews: Mike Merritt (Gina) of Dardanelle and Mark Merritt (Brenda) of Fayetteville, GA, and Teri Merritt wife of Chris Merritt and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Merritt 33 years ago after 37 years of marriage; his parents; his grandparents Henry and Frenchie Crow and Seth and Rebecca McConnell; father and mother in-law Dana and Sue Merritt; nephew Chris Merritt plus several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Cornerstone Caregiving: Jasmine Ferguson, Kerri Mortenson, Kristy Blackwell and Taylor Ward and Jessie Rye, Hospice Home Care.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. in the Dardanelle Methodist Church with pastors Kevin Trantham and Jim Benfer officiating. Graveside service with full military honors will be held at Brearley Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Serving as pallbearers will be grandchildren: Chris Pulliam, James Holler, Tricia and Andrew Kinnard, Noah and Seth Haile; Honorary pallbearers: MAJ Donald Holler and Ronald Merritt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dardanelle Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Sharing & Caring or Meals on Wheels.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com