Anthony Wayne Ashcraft of Grapevine, Arkansas was born Nov. 4, 1954, in Pine Bluff. He was the second of five children born to Harold and Marilyn (Gwin) Ashcraft. Diagnosed with cancer on February 28 ^th , he spent the past 7 months in a courageous battle. Anthony passed away on Saturday, Sep. 8, in hospice care at JRMC in Pine Bluff, at the age of 63 years and 10 months.

The Ashcraft family are life-long residents of Grant County, and Anthony resided in Grapevine. Anthony graduated from Sheridan High School in 1974. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 74-80 as an armored crewman.

Anthony was a skilled diesel mechanic. Since 1999 he was employed with the U.S. Army at the Pine Bluff Arsenal where he was a heavy mobile equipment mechanic.

In 1995 he married Vivian Bunch. It is Vivian who introduced him to horses, specifically Paso Fino horses, who are called 'the smoothest riding horses in the world'. Over the years Anthony and Vivian spent many happy times on trail rides and at horse shows. They made friends with owners, trainers, riders and show competitors across the country. Anthony was especially proud to share this hobby with grand-daughter Ella, who has developed into a skilled rider and is referred to as 'the horse whisperer'.

Anthony was predeceased by his brother, Dean, in 1999, and his father, Harold, in 2004.

In addition to his mother, Marilyn, and his loving wife, Vivian, he is survived by two sons: Tony Ashcraft (and wife Blair) of Hot Springs and Curtis Law (and wife Meggan) of Sheridan, and his grandchildren, Emery, Evin, Ella and Enslee Ashcraft and Layla and Braydon Jewett.

He is also survived by his brothers, Earl Ray (and wife Debbie), and Bobby (and wife Charlotte), and his sister, Carolyn Ashcraft (and partner Pat Mouton) — all of Sheridan. Also left to cherish his memory are his niece (Melissa), nephews (Nathaniel and Seth) and numerous extended family and friends.

Per his wishes, Anthony will be cremated and there will be no burial.

A celebration of his life will be held at Calvary MB Church (152 County Road 63) in Sheridan on Wednesday, Sep. 12 at 2 p.m. A time of visitation will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

The family wishes to recognize the wonderful staff at JRMC who provided the highest level of care to Anthony and the family during his final weeks of life. They are especially appreciative of his nurse, Robin Rider, who is truly God's angel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a contribution to the scholarship fund at:Paso Fino Horse Foundation, c/o Peggy Tanner, 16728 South Harvard, Bixby, OK 74008.