Gary L. Golden

Gary L. Golden, age 70, passed away September 4th, 2020 at one of his favorite places to be, the river house in Mayflower, Ark. He was born June 3rd, 1950 in Hope, Arkansas to Leroy and Lola Golden. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his father in law, George N. Cox and mother in law, Aggie Cowart. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 49 years, Gaywyn. His daughter Gigi, husband Mike Roberts and son Grant, wife Gina Golden. His four grandkids, who affectionally called him G-Dad, Addison, Ansley, Luke, and Reed. Sisters, Carlene, husband Wesley Clemons and Paula, husband Karmel Kuhn. Gary was the first in his family to go to college, beginning at SAU where he met Gaywyn. After their marriage, he transferred to U of A, where he received a degree in Animal Science in 1974. Later, in 2012 he was named a Graduate of Distinction. Recently, he was honored to serve on the Board of Trustees at SAU. He was Vice Chair and Chief Executive officer of First State Bank of DeQueen, where he had worked since 2001. After every bank exam he considered retirement, but he loved his job and the people he worked alongside. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church in DeQueen. Church was a priority in Gary's life and he proudly served on committees, church boards, and was a deacon through the years. Although Gary led a successful career, his greatest pride came from his family. He was so proud of them and told them all often. He spent many years calling the Hogs with his family, usually leaving a game saying maybe next year. He enjoyed the annual family beach trip and looked forward to it all year. G-Dad was an encourager and he loved giving advice and life lessons. There was never a goodbye that didn't end in "I love you". Gary believed in the power of prayer and it was a big part of his life. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was the spiritual leader of his household. He would pray with anyone at any time, loved being the one to bless the meal and prayed with his family every morning before leaving for work. He would tell us all now in our sadness, to take a deep breath, pray for God's will and ask him light our paths. Funeral Services for Mr. Gary Golden will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 6, 2020 at De Queen First Assembly of God with Pastor Ray Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery, Prescott, Arkansas, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home. You may send an online sympathy message at www.chandlerfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, Tenn., 37214-0800, in Mr. Gary Golden's memory.