Leonard Ray (Jim) Spillars

Leonard Ray (Jim) Spillars, 85, of Fayetteville, passed from this life on April 6, 2018, at Willard Walker Hospice, after a short illness. He was born on October 4, 1932, to John Mark and Pearl Ester Johnson Spillars in the Buckner Community. He was a lifelong resident of the Fayetteville area, and was a member of Baldwin Baptist Church. He attended school in the Buckner, Baldwin, and Combs Chapel areas. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After returning from the service, he worked as a cross-country truck driver and in the construction industry until his retirement. He was also an avid musician and guitar player. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Hilda Jean Gardner Spillars; his parents; and six siblings, Gladys, Paul, Euell, Willard, Johnnie, and Dorothy, and their spouses. He is survived by son, Jim of Fayetteville; granddaughters; Sara Yeager and husband, Mitch, Jamie and Jacquelyn; grandson, Jacob, all of Fayetteville; and by ex-daughter-in-law and caregiver, Lynnette Fennell, also of Fayetteville. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Beard's Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 also at Beard's. Interment to follow at Buckner Cemetery in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in care of the Washington County Historical Society Heritage School, 118 E. Dickson St, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701, or the Southern Memorial Association, 2007 West Huntsville, Springdale, Ark. 72762. The family would like to express appreciation to the staff of the Fayetteville Veterans Home, Washington Regional Medical Center, and the Willard Walker Hospice Home, for the exceptional care of Jim in his final days. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.