James Edward DeMoss, Sr. of Sheridan, Arkansas went to be with the Lord Monday, May 12, 2008. Ed was born October 17, 1939 in Grapevine, a son of the late Harry Smith DeMoss, Sr. and Mary Simpson DeMoss. He died at the age of 68 as a result of an accident at his home.

He was a member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Grapevine where he served as a Sunday School teacher for the Adult Class. James was an ordained Baptist Minister and for many years pastored two churches in Grant County as well as leading many revivals. He was also a member of Mooneyville Masonic Lodge #345 and the Consistory at Little Rock, where he was a 32nd Degree Mason. Ed was also a veteran of the United States Navy.

Ed DeMoss worked in the construction industry most of his life. He was a co-founder, with his partners Sam Alley and Gus Vratsinas, of VCC, Inc., in Little Rock, a national and international contracting firm. Gus described Ed as “a founder, partner, mentor, teacher, boss, friend and leader. What a wonderful legacy”. He was owner of K&C Rentals and DeMoss Properties in Sheridan and also a cattle farmer. He and his family were named Grant County Farm Family of the Year in 2003.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying all kinds of hunting as well as fishing. He was a member of DeMoss Hunting Club in Grant County and Denton Creek Hunting Club in Decatur, Texas.

Ed’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John DeMoss, Harry DeMoss, Jr. and Paul DeMoss and a sister Delma Brewer.

Ed is survived by his wife, Marilyn Hudspeth DeMoss, whom he married July 15, 1991; two sons and daughters in law, Eddie and Dorothy DeMoss of Sheridan; Chris and Rachelle Wheeler of Humble, Texas; two daughters and sons in law, Patty and Scott Knox of Sheridan; Missy and Mark Briggs of Benton; three sisters, Geneva Moring of Little Rock; Jeannie Bragdon of Pine Bluff; Nancy Donaldson Mitchell and her husband Pat of Pine Bluff; eight grandchildren, Kandice Hale of Sheridan; Tabatha James of Denver, Colorado; Courtney DeMoss of Sheridan; Alexis Wheeler of Humble, Texas; Cody Duck of Benton,; Kaylee Knox of Sheridan; Cory Duck of Benton; Connor Wheeler of Humble, Texas and another on the way; and one great grandchild, Caden Hale of Sheridan and another one on the way. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 PM at First Landmark Baptist Church in Sheridan. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 16, 2008 at First Landmark Baptist Church with Bro. Ronald Young and Bro. O.J. Ramick officiating. Interment will follow at Lee Cemetery in Grapevine.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Gene Moring, Glen Moring, Mike DeMoss, Steve DeMoss, Don Brewer, Scott Brewer, Randy DeMoss, Danny DeMoss, Vince Donaldson, Bobby Donaldson and Philip Donaldson.
Memorials may be made to Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, #80 Grant 18, Grapevine, Arkansas 72057.