Rev. Carr Dee Racop, Jr.

Rev. Carr Dee Racop, Jr. passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the age of 91 in Plano, TX, after a brief illness. He was born on July 6, 1931, in Pine Bluff, AR, to Carr Dee Racop, Sr. and Elva Hobbs Racop who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his sister, Ella May Racop Jolley.

After graduating from Pine Bluff High School, Carr Dee attended Hendrix College in Conway, AR, and finished his undergraduate studies at Henderson University in Arkadelphia, AR, in 1955. He graduated from seminary at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, in 1958. During his career as a Methodist minister, Carr Dee was appointed to several Methodist churches including College Mound, TX, and several places in Arkansas including Bearden, Sheridan, Gurdon, Portland, Ashdown, Sherill, and Little Rock. He also spent several summers leading Camp Tanako in Hot Springs, AR. Carr Dee had a passion for youth ministry and was an advocate for change regarding social issues, including civil rights, during his career in ministry. He retired from the ministry in 1997 and held positions in Arkansas state government and with H&R Block. Carr Dee was a man of modest means but strong opinions, faith, and values. He was a jack of all trades and an avid do-it-yourselfer. He placed great value in being able to both do things himself and support others.

Carr Dee is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Richards Sudduth, of Conway, AR. Carr Dee and Mary Beth were long-time residents of Fort Smith, AR, where they enjoyed many happy years together. They shared a passion for many things including faith, family, and professional football. They were avid supporters of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women’s Volleyball team and traveled extensively to see them play.

Carr Dee is also survived by his children, Rene’ (Hank) Racop Neely of Plano, TX, and Russell R. Racop of Little Rock, AR, and stepchildren, Kathy Sudduth Edwards of Conway, AR, Steven (Shawn) Sudduth of Williamsburg, KY, and John Sudduth of Conway, AR. He is predeceased by a stepdaughter, Susan Sudduth. Carr Dee is survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
and other family members.

A memorial service to celebrate Carr Dee’s life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 1:00pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1101 N Mississippi Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to the Methodist Foundation of Arkansas, St. Andrew Methodist Church (Plano, TX), or the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Women’s Volleyball team.