Wayne "Gene" James

Wayne Eugene(Gene) James, more often called "Wayne E or "Poppy" went home to his Heavenly Father, Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in Gravelly, Arkansas. Gene was born September 9, 1929 to Perry Chaplan James and Lessie Cunzania (Hunt) James in Briggsville, Arkansas. Gene was 84 years, 4 months and 19 days old. Gene left us peacefully and quietly in his sleep, in the comfort of his rocking chair.

Being the youngest of eight children, it was only natural that Gene was commonly known by his siblings and people of the community as "runt". But this was no bother to him, as he was ALWAYS stirring the pot to aggravate or joke around and share that sinister smile of his. His fun loving nature couldn't help but be contagious. A veteran of the U.S. Military, he not only served his country but his beloved family and home as well. He enjoyed being a cattle farmer. Gene lived a life devoted to God as a Baptist and he was a member of the F & AM Masons. He was a 50 year member of Lodge #123 in Bluffton, Arkansas. While being a diverse individual, Gene was a man of work ethics and never ending love for his family. Time spent with them were among his most treasured memories.

Gene leaves behind to cherish his memory, his dear wife Margaret Evelyn and a loving family of three children: Jeanie Fay McClung, Marietta Parks and Lewis Wayne James. He was a proud grandfather to seventeen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Gene will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives were impacted by him including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Perry James and Lessie Cunzania (Hunt) James as well as siblings, Virgil, Laura, Jesse, Lynn, Sadie, Cecil and Perry Jr.

Gene's life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. David Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Parks Cemetery in Nola, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Gene's pallbearers will be Lewis James, Steele James, James Parks, Matthew McClung, Zachary James and Ethan James.

Gene's visitation will be Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

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