Lee Barnett

On August 4, 2025, Lee Roy Barnett of Waldron, Arkansas, rode off into the sunset one last time, leaving behind a trail of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. He was 55 years old. Born December 18, 1969, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Elzie Gene and Barbara Butler Barnett, Lee Roy lived his life full throttle - doing what he loved and loving the people around him fiercely.

Lee Roy was happiest with the sun on his face and the wind in his hair - either riding his motorcycle down backroads or standing on a riverbank with a fishing pole in hand. "If it was a nice day and you weren't riding or fishing," he'd say, "you were wasting it." And he meant it.

Fall meant Razorback football - and family time. Saturdays were for grilling out, tossing the football with the kids at halftime, and hollering at the TV with a house full of laughter. Those were the moments he treasured most.

Behind the jokes and the good-natured orneriness was a man of quiet faith. Lee Roy spent countless peaceful hours reading and studying his Bible. His relationship with God was personal, steady, and deeply important to him.

He worked for many years in retail, including at the Waldron Wal-Mart, where he built lasting friendships and served his community with a smile. When he wasn't working or outdoors, you could find him in his woodshop, gaming, or cracking jokes with the people he loved. If Lee Roy teased you, you knew you had a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his loving wife, Tammy Barnett; his parents, Elzie and Barbara Barnett; his brother, Kenneth (Amanda) Barnett; sisters-in-law, Tonilyn Waddle and Misty Wilson; nieces, Paige Somphounout, Tara Johnson, Heather Molholt, Natasha Barnett, Corryn Lowe, and Alicia Barnett; nephews, Blake Barnett, Kyle Waddle, Eric Kozderka, Joshua Sheppard, and Evan Watkins; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Also surviving are his father-in-law, Curtis (Lillie) Haney, and one very special little girl who had his whole heart, Savanna Michelle.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, David and Susie Butler and Elsie Leroy and Laora Barnett; his brother, Michael Barnett; his mother-in-law, Lynda Drury Waddle; his sister-in-law, Bobbye Waddle Abernathy; and uncles, David and Johnny Barnett.

A celebration of Lee Roy's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas, with Rev. Jeff Wilkerson officiating.Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, also at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Elmore, Blake Barnett, Joshua Sheppard, Eric Kozderka, Drakelyn Barnett, and Jayden Wade.

Lee Roy's legacy is one of deep love, quiet faith, and a whole lot of joy. He'll be remembered in every ride down a winding road, every fish tugging on a line, and every backyard game of football. He taught us to never waste a good day - and to love big, laugh loud, and live well