James Cecil "Bud" Avants Jr., 84, of Russellville, entered his Heavenly rest on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at his home.

Bud was born August 15, 1938, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to James Cecil Sr., and Blanche (Wood) Avants. He married Betty Ann (Sutton) Avants on May 26, 1956, in Greenville, Miss.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty McMinn and Bobbye Kenney; and one grandson, Luke Avants.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; their daughter, Melissa Avants; three sons, James "Rusty" Avants (Tammy), Mark Avants (Janie) and Tim Avants (Bernadette); six grandchildren, Cody, Jake, Wiley, Duran, Bryce and Victoria Avants; three great- grandchildren, Cole, Rory and Adrianna Avants; and a brother, Nick Avants (Shelba).

Bud graduated with the Class of 1955 of Little Rock Central High School. He attended LIFE Bible College in Los Angeles, California, where he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree. He pastored churches in Colorado for many years before returning to Arkansas. He was known in Russellville as "The Bugstomper," a local termite and pest control business he owned and operated.

He had a soft spot for the elderly and spent time sharing God's love, whether it be mowing their lawns or providing them free pest control services. He was the former owner of Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville. He touched many lives, including his involvement with missions in Thailand and Myanmar. He most recently retired as the Pastoral Care Minister for Russellville First Assembly of God.