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Earnest Franklin Mitcham, 81, of Strong, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at his residence.

He was born in Loran, La., on March 29, 1927, to Ernestine Mitcham and Bessie McBroom Mitcham. Franklin loved his family, especially all of his grandchildren. He loved visiting with family and friends at reunions. He also loved to eat at those reunions. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, he was in the woods working. He was a hard working man. He started working with his father in the logging business when he was 16 years old and that work continued as Mitcham Logging through the years, until his sickness wouldn’t allow him to work anymore. He also loved the Ouachita River bottoms. He could sit on the banks of the river and admire its beauty. He will be dearly missed by all of his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild, Eric Wayne Mitcham; great grandchild, Cole R. (Chunky Monkey) Mitcham; and most recently his son, Kenneth Mitcham.

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Bennie Fife Mitcham; sons, Wayne Mitcham and David Mitcham; a sister, Betty Dodson; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church with the Revs. Don Travis and Lester Pratt officiating. Burial Will be at Oak Grove

Cemetery under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Visitation will be held beginning at 5 p.m. today at the church.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Mitcham, Kevin Black, Nathan Cox, Greg Rawls, Garett Gates, Kendal Dollar, Dustin Allen, Scotty Hudson, Randy Davis, and William Stinson.

Memorials can be made to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730.