Steve Stringfellow, age 82 years old, of Benton Arkansas passed away peacefully at Superior health and rehab in Conway Arkansas. He was a loving husband to his wife of 59 years, Shelby Stringfellow. Our dad was a very courageous Vietnam veteran Marine who served selflessly from 1963-1967. He left Ouachita Baptist to join the Marines to help his country. He was in the infantry with a specialty number anti-tank Assault man. He was director of small arms. He received Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Good conduct medal, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He received an Honorable discharge in 1967 at Sergeant E-5.

He was a very strong father to 3 daughters whom he "trained" to be his little marines who could wrestle and "take someone out if your life was in danger." He loved to walk through the living room and make jokes. He prevented his household from experiencing useless drama as girls often do; by reminding us quite often, what we were experiencing was not even close to war. Though, he had a lot of mental anguish regarding the memories of the Vietnam War, he was able to work hard to provide for his family and with a joyful, hilarious spirit. To his grandchildren, he was known for his serious "soldier handshake" and sense of humor.

He loved our mother with unconditional love and always wanted the very best for her. He married her 2 weeks after he arrived home from Vietnam. If you could describe his love for her, a small glimpse would include his account of being shot at in Vietnam, deep in water, with gun in one hand and her picture in the other.

This last year he witnessed God heal the love of his life, our mom, from a large brain bleed. She was able to be with him for the last 9 months of their lives together here on earth. We are confident we will see him and join him again in heaven. John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:8.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shelby Stringfellow, daughters Shannon Caplinger (David) and Scarlett Hill (Jason); 8 grandchildren, Chase Caplinger, Devan Hinds, Zachary Caplinger, Hannah Hill, Noah Hill (Meg), Autumn Hill, Dillion Hill and Kima Hill. He is survived by his sister Sue Barner (Chester) and a host of cousins.  Steve is preceded in death by his loving daughter, Stefani Michelle Hinds.

The family wants to offer a special thanks all the loving staff of Superior Health and Rehab in Conway, Arkansas. The nurses, techs, social workers, Gentiva Hospice and Chaplain Kathy. Your genuine loving care for our dad was the most beautiful expression of Gods love for our dad. "And the King will say: I tell you the truth, when you did it to the least of my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me." JESUS (Matthew 25:40)

Memorial services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com