John Richard "J.R." Junior Witcher Sr.

John Richard, "J.R," Junior, Witcher Sr., age 88, of Cabot, passed away on October 13, 2013 in Cabot. He was born on May 4, 1925 in Vilonia, to the late Frank and Ulala Johnson Witcher. His family moved to Cabot, when J.R. was a young boy. He helped his father farm peanuts, watermelon, and cotton. In his teenage years he did various jobs and at the age of 18 joined the Army and served with Patton as a gunner on a M36 Tank Destroyer with a rank of corporal. He earned five medals and was very proud to serve his country. At the end of his tour of duty, he married his one true love, Joye Fae Ray, October 11, 1945 at the Lonoke County Courthouse. They soon were the proud parents of a daughter, Carolyn, and she was followed by the birth of their first son, John Richard Jr. and then another son, Larry Wayne. They lived and farmed in Cabot until "Junior" trained and began working for Mid South Gas Company. They eventually moved to Forrest City and it was there in 1953 they welcomed their third son, Doyle. When J.R. moved his family to West Memphis, he continued working for the gas company, ran a Pure Oil Service Station on Broadway and eventually began working for Gordon's Transports in Memphis, Tenn. He retired in 1983 from Gordon's after 27 years, and moved back to Cabot, Arkansas where they called "home". J.R. is best known for being a "Jack of all Trades". Farmer, welder, mechanic, maker of oak swings, benches, and birdhouses, hunter and fisherman. He loved people and it has been said "He never knew a stranger" because he would talk and tell stories and jokes that made the listener feel as if they had known each other for ages. He was a charter member of Family Life Church of Nazarene. He is preceded in death by wife: Joye Fae Ray Witcher, three sons: John Richard, Larry, and Doyle, two brothers: Floyd, and C.L. sister: Mildred. Survived by daughter: Carolyn Faye Storey of Sacramento, California, thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren, one great- great granddaughter. and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, October 17, 2013 6-8 pm at funeral home. Service will be Friday, October 18, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Mt Springs Baptist Church in Cabot. To send online condolences visit www.thomasfuneralservice.com. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot (501) 941-7888.