Raymond J. Leopard

Raymond J. Leopard, age 82 of Rison, died Saturday, December 20, 2008 at his home. He was born July 4, 1926 in Cleveland County, a son of the late Julius J. Leopard and Lucy M. Lunsford Leopard. Mr. Leopard served in the Army during World War II. He was employed as a security guard for the Pine Bluff Arsenal before his retirement and was a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Rachel Leopard; one daughter, Judy Carol Leopard; one brother, James (Syber) Leopard; one granddaughter, Patty Theresa Lucas.

Mr. Leopard is survived by his wife, Kathleen Howey Leopard of Rison; five sons and daughters-in-law, Mack and Brenda Leopard, David and Wanda Leopard all of Rison, DeWayne and Tammy Leopard of Sheridan, Tony and Barbara Howey of Star City, Rusty and Cheryl Howey of Enola; three daughters and son-in-law, Juanita and Jackie Via of Alexander, Janet West Hefley and fianc Greg Gibson of West Fork, Arkansas, Deborah and Dan Steffy of Flower Mound, Texas; three brothers, Almus Leopard, Herman Leopard both of Rison, Jesse Leopard of Little Rock; one sister, Ola Mae Bowlin of Rison; twenty two grandchildren; thirty one great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 22, 2008 at Buie Funeral Chapel in Rison with Brother Calvin N. Terry and Brother C. E. Van Ness officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2008 at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Roy Phillips, Paul Wright, Butch Lunsford, Leon Green, Clif Billings, Otis Waters, Monte Woody, H. R. Morgan and Jerry Phillips. Honorary pallbearers are Jackie Bowlin and Benny Warren. Memorials may be made to Zion Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 521, Rison, Arkansas 71665. Arrangements are under the directions of Buie Funeral Home of Rison.