Mr. John Thomas Pickering, age 86 of El Dorado, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025, at South Arkansas Regional Hospital. John was born on Dec. 12, 1938 in El Dorado to the late Pearl Jane McGoogan Pickering and Rufus Ham Pickering.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran, proudly serving his country from 1957 until his discharge in 1960. He was a retired shift foreman for Albemarle Chemical Company, serving 35 years with the company, before his retirement in 2002. He was a longtime member of Galilee Baptist Church and was faithful to attend and serve in any area needed until his health prevented him from doing so.
John was a “People Person” and enjoyed talking with everyone wherever he went. He was well known by everyone at the funeral home, grocery stores, pharmacy and most places that he attended regularly. He was an avid Parkers Chapel sports fan, but he especially loved watching the Lady Trojans Basketball team. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, who will be sorely missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Carol Hendricks Pickering; a grandson, Chris Ham; one brother, Powell Pickering; two sisters, Patty Newell and Ann Smith; two nieces, Cecilia Paciello and Janie Griffin.
Survivors include: three daughters, Christie Ham of El Dorado, Tammy Alexander of Hot Springs and Sandra Turner of El Dorado; six grandchildren, Nicole Smith and husband Chris of El Dorado, Dakota Williams of El Dorado, Emily Alexander Gaines and husband Tony of Hot Springs, Cameron Alexander and wife Kimberly of Magnet Cove, Ark., Ashley Neal of El Dorado and Patrick Neal of El Dorado; 10 great-grandchildren, Ellery Palculict, Isabella Palculict, Rafe Palculict, Sophie Ham, Jaxon Gaines, Rylee Gaines, Connor Alexander, Elizabeth Alexander, Mylee Jo Neal and Kylee Rae Neal; his special friend and companion, Ms. Jo Honeycutt. He is also survived by two special friends, Karla Goodwin and Bella Goodwin, along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at Bailey Funeral Home in El Dorado. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Clay Dickson and Rev. David Bush officiating. Interment with military honors followed at Old Parkers Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Rafe Palculict, Cameron Alexander, Chris Smith, Hunter Steel, Clint Smith, Blake Smith and Tony Gaines. Honorary Pallbearers were John Gross, Rick Blackmon, Hayden Fitzgerald and Robert Ford
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Galilee Baptist Church.
