Carl Laughlin

Carl Wayne Laughlin 77, of Conway, Arkansas, was born in Colt, Arkansas, on June 19, 1949, to Henry Dunn Laughlin and Myrtle Mae Laughlin. He passed away peacefully at his home in Conway, Arkansas, on July 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Carl Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Opal; and his brother, Stanley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Kathy Laughlin; his son, Wes (Brandy) Laughlin of Conway; granddaughter, Ryleigh Laughlin (Joshua Turner) of Benton; grandsons, Luke Laughlin and Brandon Liles; great-grandson, Dawson Turner. He is also survived by several nieces, great-nieces, one great-nephew and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Carl Wayne was a man of Baptist faith who valued family, friendship, love, laughter, and a life well lived. After graduating from Forrest City High School, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army at the age of 17. He proudly served from 1967 to 1969, including a tour in Vietnam. He was later honored for his service by with a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his sacrifice and dedication.

Following his military service, Carl Wayne attended Crowley’s Ridge Vo-Tech and became a Sears service technician before starting his own business, Carl’s Appliances. He later served as Building Engineer for Moses Tucker in Little Rock until his retirement.

Carl Wayne’s greatest passions were his family, the outdoors, and baseball. He proudly traveled from coast to coast following his son’s and later his grandson’s baseball journeys, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the ballpark enjoying a hot dog, watching the game, and making memories with the people he loved. He also supported and loved his grandkids, and his Legends baseball team. Whether outdoors, at the ballpark, or simply surrounded by family and friends, Carl Wayne found joy in life’s simple moments.

Carl Wayne will be remembered as a gentle, humble, and easy-going soul that loved to be around family and friends. He found his greatest joy not in where he was, but in who he was with. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, kindness, and countless memories that will be cherished forever.

Honorary pallbearers include Brandon Davis, Chance Bledsoe, Jason Long, Josh Long, and the Legends Baseball Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carl Wayne’s honor to the Vilonia Veterans Museum, 53 N. Mount Olive Rd., Vilonia, AR 72173.