History & Staff

Kaye Butler joined Kernodle Funeral Home in 2003 and has been a dedicated member of the Kernodle team for over 20 years. She serves as the Office Manager and manages Crosslawn Cemetery, overseeing its care and attention. Kaye also manages Cogbill Cemetery, owned by the City of Wynne, helping maintain and oversee cemetery operations with the same dedication and respect.

Kaye handles prepaid funeral arrangements and insurance, assisting families with compassion and professionalism during some of life’s most difficult moments. Her knowledge, experience, and commitment to serving families have made her an invaluable part of Kernodle Funeral Home.

Kaye and her husband, Tim, live in Wittsburg with their dog, Grace.
She is a member of Wynne Baptist Church.

Rausch Hodges has been serving families in the funeral profession for more than 30 years. He attended the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and is a licensed funeral director, licensed embalmer, and Certified Preplanning Counselor.

In 2013, Rausch and his business partner, Regan Hill, purchased Kernodle Funeral Home and Crosslawn Cemetery from Billy and Jere Kernodle. Since then, he has remained committed to providing compassionate, professional service to the families of the Wynne community.

Rausch and his wife, Sandy, have two children: Hoshall Reeves and her husband, Rustin, and Billy Rauscher Hodges and his fiancée, Emily Nichols. They are the proud grandparents of one granddaughter, Miss Hattie Mae.

They are active members of Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church in Forrest City.

Regan Hill has served families in the funeral profession for more than 30 years. He attended Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston, Texas, and is a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

In 2013, Regan and his business partner, Rausch Hodges, purchased Kernodle Funeral Home and Crosslawn Cemetery from Billy and Jere Kernodle. Since then, he has remained committed to providing compassionate, professional service to the families of the community.

Regan and his wife, Carla, have three children: Jon Ball and his wife, Courtney; Collin Hill and his wife, Caitlynn; and their daughter, Jayne Claire. They are also the proud grandparents of one grandson, Henson.

They are active members of the First Baptist Church in Forrest City, Arkansas.

Sandy Brawner joined the staff of Kernodle Funeral Home in 2005 and has been an invaluable member of our team ever since. She manages the death certificates for both Kernodle Funeral Home and Stevens Funeral Home, along with the countless other responsibilities that come her way. Her dedication, dependability, and willingness to help wherever needed make her an essential part of our daily operations.

Sandy is the proud mother of two daughters, Ashley Duncan and her husband, Pete, and Erin Gardner and her husband, Brice. She is also a devoted grandmother to Luke and his wife, Emily, Rylee, Parker, Grant, and Reese, who are the joy of her life.

Jason Butler joined the Kernodle Funeral Home staff in 2004 and serves as a part-time funeral director. With years of experience and a compassionate heart, Jason is dedicated to helping families through some of life's most difficult moments. His willingness to serve and dependable nature make him a valued member of the Kernodle Funeral Home team.

Caitlin Gracey joined Kernodle Funeral Home and Steven's Funeral Home in 2024 while completing her education, earning both her Arkansas Funeral Director's and Embalmer's licenses. She attended ASU Mountain Home. She has been a tremendous asset to our team, bringing compassion, professionalism, and dedication to the families we serve. In addition to assisting families with funeral arrangements, Caitlin also helps families with monument sales.

She and her husband, Shane, live in Forrest City with their four children. They are active members of Ridgewood Baptist Church, where they are involved in the youth ministry.

William Rauscher Hodges ("B.R.") has been with Kernodle Funeral Home since 2013. He began as a summer intern and, through hard work and dedication, earned his Arkansas Funeral Director's license. He attended ASU Jonesboro/Mountain Home. In addition to serving families as a licensed funeral director, B.R. also assists families with monument sales.

B.R. is the son of Rausch and Sandy Hodges and is engaged to Miss Emily Nichols. He is a member of Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully serves as an elder. B.R. is committed to providing compassionate care and professional service to the families he has the privilege of serving.

Jon Ball has worked in the funeral industry for more than 20 years. He joined the Kernodle Funeral Home staff in 2015 and is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He attended Northwest Mississippi Community College in Southaven, Mississippi. He is the son of Regan and Carla Hill and also serves as a monument sales counselor, helping families create lasting tributes to their loved ones.

Jon and his wife, Dr. Courtney Ball, make their home in Marion with their two dogs, Lucy and Brinkley. They are active members of First Baptist Church of Marion and are committed to serving both their church and the community.