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Submitted: 9/5/22 • Approved: 9/6/22 • Last Updated: 9/9/22 • R1446937-G0-S3
February 13, 1932 - January 15, 2017
The Legendary John C. Puckett in his 84th season of life went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 15, 2017. He was born February 13, 1932 in Prescott, AR to John Carter and Stella Mae Quarls. His mother later married Rev. A.R. Puckett in 1934 and he was adopted into his family.
John was a graduate of the Historic Langston High School Class of 1948. He received his Bachelors of Music Education Degree from AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). He furthered his education and received his Masters of Music Degree from Ohio State University. John was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was a retired educator in the Hot Springs School District. He also gave private music lessons.
He began playing the piano at age eight. At age twelve, he was playing in his church. When he was a sophomore in college, he went on tour with bandleader Willie Mitchell. After college, he recorded an LP album entitled Meet John Puckett and His Piano, on the King Label. John later played at the Black Orchid Lounge, and backed up shows at the Vapors during its peak. He played at the Peabody Hotel, the Little Rock Country Club and the Arlington Hotel. His musical ability was smoothing to the soul of many. Although he was quiet in nature, he made a joyful noise when he sat at the piano. He not only played the piano but he was proficient with the harmonica, saxophone, and clarinet. He was a noted musician and was inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame in 2006. On April 4, 2009, he received a Proclamation from the City of Hot Springs declaring that day as “John Puckett Day.” He also was the recipient of the B.J. Williams Education Center Salute to Excellence Award in 2009.
John was a member of Visitors Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served as the Minister of Music and a Sunday School Teacher for many years.
He was predeceased by his aforementioned parents; three brothers, Garland, Alroy, and George Puckett.
His memory will be cherished by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Moore Puckett of Hot Springs, AR; his daughter, Cynthia (The Rev. Jeff) Hampton of Little Rock, AR; his son, Stephen Puckett of Houston, TX; two granddaughters, Joya Nichelle Hampton of Atlanta, GA and Cheyanne Nicole Hampton of South Bend, IN; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Charlotte Puckett of Hot Springs, AR, Jerdie (Loyd) Richards and Jerry Kern all of Dayton, OH, Velma Jean (Jerry) Trotter of McNab, AR and James (Mary) Moore, Jr of Hot Springs, AR.; a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church, 319 Church Street. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Crestview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church Building and Restoration Fund.
Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Service.
Contributed on 9/5/22 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1446937