Robert Lynn "Buddy" McCracken

Robert Lynn "Buddy" McCracken, 75, of Wilmot, died Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the St. Francis Specialty Hospital in Monroe, Louisiana. Buddy was born November 16, 1949 in Lake Village and has been a resident of Wilmot and Parkdale for many years. He graduated from Wilmot High School in 1968 and received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Cameron University. Buddy proudly served his country in both the United States Army and the United States Navy, where he was stationed aboard the USS Tullibee (SSN-597) submarine. After his military service, he continued a life of dedication and duty as a police officer, having retired in 1999. Buddy was a member of the Portland Baptist Church and the Christian Motorcycle Association. He was an avid deer hunter and loved to fish and enjoy the outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert R. & Imogene Wilson McCracken; a brother, Michael McCracken and a sister, Karen Shepherd.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Renee Franklin McCracken of Wilmot; his daughter, Karaline Elvir McCracken of Hot Springs; his step-daughter, Leslie Gourley of Wilmot; his step-son, Justin Gourley and his wife, Morgan, of Hamburg; a brother, A.W. McCracken of Parkdale; two sisters, Anita McCracken Gaw of White House, Tennessee and Sheila McCracken of Mountain Home; three grandchildren, Abby O'Neal, Tristan Gourley and Eryn Gourley and his lifelong friend, J.W. Jones of Pearl River, Mississippi.

Funeral services are 3 p.m., Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Portland Baptist Church with Bro. Mark Harris and Bro. Robin Allen officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Bell Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bill Vines, Tommy Sturgeon, Eric Estes, David Harrell, Robby Franklin and Ronald Pollock. Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Rich, John David Grice and Bill Keel. 

Visitation will be 2 - 3 p.m., Sunday at the church.