Elbert Wesley (Tige) Atchley of Sheridan, Arkansas, died in Heber Springs, Arkansas on February 1, 2010 at the age of 92. He was born January 14, 1918 to the late Elbert Wesley Atchley and Mattie Baker Atchley of the Crossroads Community south of Sheridan.

Mr. Atchley was labeled with the nickname of Tiger (Tige) by his elementary school mates when he wore a pair of striped overalls to school. That nickname followed him the rest of his life. He married Marjorie Barnes, his childhood neighbor and playmate, on October 4, 1941. After serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Mr. Atchley returned to Crossroads to resume farming the family land. He soon took a job with Southwestern Bell and moved his family, including his mother, to Pine Bluff. Mr. Atchley's career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company took him and his family to Midland, Texas; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and back to Pine Bluff before he and Marge returned to their roots in the Crossroads Community in 1969. After his retirement from Southwestern Bell in 1979, they enjoyed fishing and camping at Lake DeGray with their family and friends and traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico with their travel trailer. They celebrated 58 years of marriage before her death in 1999.

He married the second love of his life, Ruby Harris of Pine Bluff, on April 29, 2000. Even though Mr. Atchley's health did not allow them to travel as they had hoped, they still enjoyed their time together.

Mr. Atchley was a member of the First Methodist Church of Sheridan and the Southwestern Bell Pioneers. In his later years, he greatly enjoyed having coffee and a biscuit with friends at Hardee's – and the Wednesday night suppers at the Methodist Church.

Mr. Atchley was preceded in death by brothers, Leonard Atchley and Dee Atchley of Sheridan; sister, Troy Atchley; and great-granddaughter, Lauren Hymer of El Dorado.

Survivors include Ruby Atchley; daughters, LaRue Henry (William) and Vickie Bryant (Troupe), both of Heber Springs, formerly of Sheridan; nieces Bonnie Henderson of Sheridan and Martha Lee Riley of San Francisco, CA; four grandchildren and their families: Lori Hymer (Donny) of El Dorado, AR; Todd Swann (Angie) of Greenbrier; Leslie Montgomery (Byron) of White Hall, AR; and Chris Cody (Tamyra) of Sheridan. Seven great-grandchildren children: Wesley Hymer of El Dorado; Caleb, Corey, and Chloe Swann of Greenbrier; Cody Clark of White Hall; Cooper and Tatum Cody of Sheridan; and a large extended family.

Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, P. O. Box 357, Sheridan, AR 72150.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3 at Memorial Gardens in Sheridan. A service honoring his life will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 4, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in the Crossroads Community of Sheridan.

Pallbearers are: Todd Swann, Donny Hymer, Wes Hymer, Chris Cody, Byron Montgomery, and Jeff Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Walter Williams, Bruce Taylor, Milton Tidwell, Jerry Smith, Men's Sunday School Class.