Paul Francis Barringer

Paul Francis Barringer, 97, of Gurdon, Ark. passed away Jan. 22, 2014. Paul was born June 28, 1916 in Whelen Springs, Ark. and spent most of his life in Clark County, Ark. The Barringer family settled in southern Arkansas in the early 1900's where they operated J.A. Barringer and Sons Lumber Company and a lumber mill at Whelen Springs, Ark. until its sale to International Paper Company in 1979. The family still continues its timber heritage through forestry stewardship and the growing of timber in the Clark County region. Paul was a 1939 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and served his country during WWII as a chemist at the Maumelle ordinance plant near Little Rock, Ark. Paul was known for his kindness, generosity and love for his family. Paul was a 60 year member of the First United Methodist Church of Gurdon and was a strong supporter and member of numerous civic and charitable organizations. Paul was a major supporter of both Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University, as well as their music and scholarship programs. Paul seldom encountered an individual or group he was not willing to help or assist in some manner. Everyone who met him encountered a man with a warm smile and love for others. He lived a rich, rewarding and full life and will be missed greatly by his family and all who knew him. Paul is preceded in death by his father, Louis A. Barringer; his mother, Julia Reed Barringer; sister, Thelma Cheek; brother, Louis Reed Barringer; his wife of 59 years, Katherine VanMeter Barringer; a well as his second wife, Jaunita Baskin Barringer. Paul is survived by his daughter, Julianne Fuller of Little Rock; grandsons, William Barringer Fuller (Alyssa) and Charles Andrew Fuller (Eimear) of Little Rock; and his great-granddaughter, Nora Jane Fuller also of Little Rock, Ark. The family wishes to thank the many friends who visited him and helped care for Paul during his final years. We appreciate your prayers and sympathies. The family also especially wishes to thank the staff and employees of the Plaza at Twin Rivers Assisted Living in Arkadelphia, Parkway Health Center in Little Rock, and the kind staff at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. A celebration of his life and family visitation will be held at the First Methodist Church in Gurdon on Monday Jan. 27, 2014 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Service to follow at the church at 2 p.m. with Rev. Carl Ownby officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hedge Cemetery. Under the direction of Pharr Funeral Homes of Gurdon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Gurdon, Ark. The online guestbook is available at pharrfuneralhomes.com.