David Ray Bernard

Obituaries

by Talk Business Staff ([email protected]) ago 9 views 

David Ray Bernard, age 57, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on June 14, 2026. He was born on November 14, 1968, in Fort Smith to Rubie Ann (Trisler) Bernard and Lee Ray Bernard.

On July 2, 1994, David married the love of his life, Cindy Ann (Estes) Bernard, at Bluff Avenue Church in Fort Smith. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

David spent his professional career in manufacturing with Southwest Die Cast. Outside of work, he pursued many interests and hobbies that brought him great joy. He was a devoted fan of Arkansas sports, enthusiastically following baseball, football, and basketball. An accomplished bowler, David achieved the remarkable feat of bowling a perfect 300 game, earning special recognition for the achievement.

David was also a passionate Coca-Cola collector. He was a proud member of both the National Coca-Cola Collectors Club and the Arkansas Coca-Cola Club and enjoyed attending the Coca-Cola National Convention. A lifelong history buff, he especially enjoyed metal detecting throughout Fort Smith and the surrounding areas in search of historical artifacts and war memorabilia. He also loved traveling and cruising, having enjoyed 18 cruises over the years.

A man of faith, David was a member of Current Outreach Church in Van Buren.

Above all else, David treasured his family and close friends. He found great happiness in spending time with his grandchildren, whom he loved to spoil. Known for his generous spirit and kind heart, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cindy Bernard of Fort Smith; his mother, Rubie Bernard of Fort Smith; three children, Johnny Horn of Fort Smith, Larry Horn of Lindsey, Arkansas, and Ashley Hilburn of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and seven beloved grandchildren, Colton, Camden, Cashton, and Riverlyn Horn, and Keagan, Khylie, and Korabella Hilburn.

David was preceded in death by his father, Lee Ray Bernard.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place afterward at Steep Hill Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel.