J.B. Wagner

John B. (JB) Wagner of Gravelly, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, September 12, 2013 in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. JB was born on October 12th, 1938 on Mulberry cut-off in Scott County to Lester B. Wagner and Ala Mae (Jones) Wagner. JB was 74 years, and 11 months old. JB was a member of the Church of Christ in Nola, Arkansas. Raised in the Fourche River Valley and at Mountain Pine, he married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Pounds on December 25th, 1956. JB was a dedicated and loving son, husband and father. He was also a true and loyal friend who touched many lives and never met a stranger. He was a retired Assistant Foremen for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. JB worked his whole life to provide his family a better life. He was a farmer, mechanic, heavy equipment operator, self-taught carpenter and auctioneer who could accomplish anything that he wanted to do when he set his mind to the task. He was a hardworking common man who was totally uncommon, especially in his care & compassion toward others. One of his greatest loves, other than family, was to help those in need. He was a member of the Harvey/Nola volunteer fire department, and also was a great supporter of the youth of the river valley, who lovingly referred to him as "Pa". JB's favorite thing to do was go to deer camp and be with his children and grandchildren. In "the valley" JB was always known to sit on his front porch and wave at everyone that went by and he loved it when someone had time to stop and visit. JB leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife Margaret, of the home, one daughter Tammie Sparks & husband Roger of Waldron, Arkansas; three sons: Robert Wagner of Glenwood, Arkansas, John Wagner & wife Shelley of Scranton, Arkansas and Bruce Wagner & wife Mickey of Maumelle, Arkansas. JB was blessed with a host of grandchildren; Brent, Kayla, Brandi, Colt, Miranda, Tyler, Brittany, Zack, Cort, Lauren, Buck, Steve, and Burt; as well as great grandchildren , Alex, Ashley, Jacobi, Zach, Drew, Lilly , Tate, Cayman, Peyton, Landric, Adelyn, Adalee, Havana, Shiloh, Anna, and Easton. JB is also survived by one cousin, who was more like a brother, Lonnie Wagner of Hot Springs, Arkansas. JB will missed by all who knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and loved ones. JB is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ala Wagner, one son, Mark, two sisters: Robbie Fickle & Mamie Glover, and two brothers in law Roy Fickle and Bill Glover. JB's life celebration will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 16, 2013 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jay Hunnicutt and Dr. Leonard Fuson officiating. Interment will follow in the Parks Cemetery in Nola, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. JB's pallbearers will be grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be Harvey-Nola Fire Dept. and Arkansas Highway and Transportation Dept. JB's visitation will be Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas where JB's family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In keeping with JB's giving spirit, the family asks donations in his memory be made to any of the following charities or non-profit organizations in lieu of flowers: Arkansas Children's Hospital, 501-364-4000, www.archildrens.org; St. Jude's Children's Hospital, www.stjude.org; Heifer International, www.heifer.org; Southern Christian Children's Home, www.schome.org; Harvey/Nola Volunteer Fire Department; Parks Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 36, Gravelley, AR 72838, Or the children's support charity of your choice. Also, to honor one of JB's wishes, respectful casual dress is requested, but please, no suits or ties.

J.B. Wagner

October 12, 1938 - September 12, 2013