A. D. Rudd departed this life on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born September 12, 1939, in Hall Thicket, Arkansas, the son of Wesley A. and Goldie (Willbanks) Rudd.
Mr. Rudd attended Grubbs High School. A.D. married the love of his life, Phyllis Manuel, on October 17, 1956. Together, they shared fifty-six years of marriage. He was the owner of Rudd Auto Sales for many years. When he was younger, he loved to go hunting. Mr. Rudd will be remembered for his work ethic. He was a loving father who taught his children the value of hard work. His family meant the world to him. Mr. Rudd attended the Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis (Manuel) Rudd; twin brothers, Larry and Terry Rudd; two grandchildren, Kyle Wayne Shipman and Ulysses Rudd; and his parents, Wesley A. Rudd and Goldie (Willbanks) Rudd Stephens.
Mr. Rudd is survived by two sons, Ronny Wayne Rudd of Newport, and Roger Dale Rudd and wife, Suzanne, of Newport; one daughter, Darlene Shipman and husband, Wayne, of Jonesboro; three brothers, Charles L. Rudd of Hot Springs, Clois Ray Rudd and wife, Carol, of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Ricky D. Rudd and wife, Peggy, of Vilonia; one sister, Elvie (Rudd) Aitkens of Algoa; three grandchildren, Tristan Rudd of Newport, Roger Dylan Rudd and wife, Kathryn of Newport, and Mashae Danielle Rolland and husband, Jered, of Jonesboro; four great grandchildren, Gatlin Kyle Rolland, Brayden Rolland, Sadie Lewis and husband, Joe, of Newport and Aryana Rudd; two great great grandchildren, Leilani Lewis and Jayden Lewis; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Funeral Home, Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Jon Chadwell officiating. Interment will be in Clark Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Roger Dale Rudd, Robert Drake, Roger Dylan Rudd, Paul Gavigan, Tristan Rudd, and Randall Rudd. Honorary pallbearers will be Martin Neldon, Don Neldon, Buddy Altom, Ken Nasiaka, Brandon Malone, Roger Williams, and Mike Wilhite.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
