Arlis Downs, the seventh son of Willie and Lillie Downs, went to be with his Lord on December 8, 2020. He was born in Prescott, AR on August 24, 1932. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Lillie Downs, his twin brother Arlie, brothers Willie Martin Downs, Jr., James Martin Downs, Herman Dale Downs, Beatrice Boyce, Hershal Lee Downs, Sr., and Paul Thomas Downs. He is survived by his wife, Mary Downs, daughters Rita Coates (David), Vickie Downs, Lisa Whalen (Stephen), Paulette Wheeler (Darren) and two sons, David Speer (Cecile) and Aaron Speer (Deanna).  He also has loving grandchildren Michael Coates (Christy), Rebecca Coates, Joshua Whalen, Christopher Speer (Melissa), Haley Kirk (Ryan), Kristen Wheeler, Ryan Wheeler, Alex Houpt, Kylee Houpt, Jay Dee Murphy (Michelle), and Jacob Murphy. He is also survived by great grandchildren Zayden Coates, Zoe Coates, Addalynn Speer, Laikynn Speer, Joseph Murphy, Jordan Murphy, Jayden Murphy, and Kennedy Murphy.

As was common in the early days, Arlis and his twin were born at home in Nevada County, however, his twin died at birth. His parents were sharecroppers who moved quite often in and around the Hope, AR area. He went to school in Guernsey, Arkansas, and graduated there. He tells everyone that he went to the University of Guernsey, and believe it or not, many are quite impressed with this story.

Arlis was a great student and basketball player. After graduating high school, he joined the Army, volunteering with his brother Paul and serving on the front lines of Korea. The Lord miraculously protected him even though he received several shrapnel wounds.

Upon returning home, he married and settled in Hope, AR. It was there that he found the Lord as his Savior and surrendered to His call to preach the Word of God. During the day Arlis worked as a plumber to support his family, and at night he attended Magnolia Bible School in Magnolia, Arkansas to prepare for the ministry. He was also known to be able to find water by using a stick and walking over the ground to find a water vein. He was so good at it that one church made him a magnetic sign for his car that read, "Water-Witcher, Marrying Sam, Evangelist and Preacher."

Arlis had never been without a pulpit to preach in the whole 61 years of ministry. He lived to share the Word of God and even preached the Sunday prior to his death. He had a passion to help the needy, those needing encouragement, those whose lives were in turmoil and needing direction, and those the world has beaten down. He began L.T. Care Ministry, which at one time served over 1,000 people a month with food boxes. His passion was to care for the elderly and pray for them; those who had no other means of help. Over the years, many have received the Lord, and many have surrendered to preach the Word under his teaching. His wisdom and wise counsel will be missed by many. His contribution to the Living Truth Church praise team by playing his beautiful red guitar and singing will also be missed by all.

Arlis loved his Lord and was so ready to meet Him, and like Paul the Apostle, only desired to be here to help others, his family, and preach the Word of God. He will be greatly missed.

Celebration of life will be December 11, 2020 at Dial and Dudley Funeral home in Bryant at 9:00 am. Online guestbook at www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com