Alfred B. Lynch III, known as Fredde to family and boyhood friends and as Al to others, passed away on May 9, 2020. Al was born on Armistice Day (now known as Veteran's Day) 1945 in Vermillion, S.D. to Alfred B. and Clarice Fowler Lynch. Early on the family moved to his father's hometown, Hot Springs, Ark. and later to Arkadelphia, Ark. where Al began his education. Al graduated from Arkadelphia High School with honors in 1963. In 1968 he graduated from Henderson State College and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. Al served as an Infantry Officer in the Republic of South Vietnam. He returned to the US in 1969 and served as the billeting officer at Fort Riley, Kan., until his discharge in 1970 as a 1st Lieutenant. He began his career in insurance in Little Rock and later moved to Pine Bluff, where he worked for Theis-Hoffman and served as President of Pine Bluff Insurance Association from 1973-75. He married Linda Bulloch of Pine Bluff in 1976 and moved home to Arkadelphia in 1980. He established A. B. Lynch Insurance in Arkadelphia that year. As a Civic leader, he served as City Director, Arkadelphia City Board, member of Ambassadors Committee, Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce, served four years on the Chamber's Board, was co-founder and President of Clark County Industrial Committee and held numerous positions of importance in the city and county. Among his many professional achievements, Al was elected as Vice-President of Professional Insurance Agents of Arkansas in 2005 and served as the President in 2007-08. In 2011 he was named the Association's "Agent of the Year" for Arkansas.
Al's most treasured moments came from this family life with his beloved wife Linda, daughter Brooke and his grandchildren, Darby and Noah. No ballgame or school event was held without his attendance. He provided his advice and guidance in abundance to help assure their success. He and Linda shared 35 years raising their family, traveling throughout the US and the Caribbean. They loved Arkadelphia, Lake DeGray, and their many friends. After the loss of his wife, Al was blessed to meet and form a wonderful relationship with a special friend, Jerri Roper of Hot Springs. Together they enjoyed traveling, dancing, attending social functions and spending time with their friends. Anybody or anything Al cared about he was extremely passionate about. He energetically and frequently offered sage advice and instruction to family and friends. He had strong (and usually well thought out and researched) opinions on virtually any subject up for discussion. His passion extended most assuredly to food. He loved to cook! He was a gourmet chef and accomplished pit master. He voraciously read and studied cookbooks and magazines; constantly experimenting with new recipes. He loved to watch others enjoy his cooking, whether it be at an intimate dinner at home or a catered event for dozens. He was truly a force to be reckoned with and a man for all seasons. If you knew him, you will miss him.
Al was a member of the First Methodist Church of Arkadelphia. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and wife Linda. He is survived by his daughter Brooke Deaton, grandchildren, Darby and Noah Deaton, and brothers Mike and Pat Lynch. The family will announce the time and place of an appropriate celebration of Al's life as soon as current conditions allow. Memorials are requested to First Methodist Church of Arkadelphia or Group Living, Inc. of Arkadelphia. Visit www.ruggleswilcox.com to sign our online guestbook.