James Richard Reed Sr.

James Richard Reed, Sr. of Clinton, Arkansas died January 24, 2023. Richard was 80 years old, a believer in Christ Jesus, a loving, devoted husband for 60 years, and the father of three children.

Richard Reed was born October 23, 1942 in Clinton, Oklahoma to Richard Thomas Reed and Gladys Viola Rader Reed. The family moved to Clinton, Arkansas in 1946. Richard married his lifelong love, Deranda (Dee) Rebecca Winberry August 27, 1962. They were blessed with three children, DeeAnn, Kim, and James who all reside in Arkansas.

Richard completed vocational training as a brick mason, working two years for Pickens and Bonds in Little Rock, Arkansas. He continued working for seven years in Little Rock as a brick and stone mason with partner Bill Faulkner. In 1973 Richard returned to Clinton with his family to live and work, partnering with Robert Williams, laying brick, block, and rock in Van Buren County and surrounding areas for 20 years.

Richard was a cattle farmer on Culpepper Mountain, where he lived with Dee, his beloved wife, until his death. Richard was a craftsman, taking pride in his work but more than that, Richard took pride in taking care of his family and providing for them, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and caring for others. Richard retired from masonry in 1992, becoming a "pole cat" operator for Petit Jean Electric where he worked for 14 years, retiring in 2006.

Richard was an avid chuckwagon racer for many years, taking home the championship trophy in 1995 under the team’s name Culpepper Cattle Company. Richard continued his passion for driving ponies through exhibition races at rodeo arenas across the United States. He partnered with Kenny Petet and others, racing as far north as New York and west to California, and participated in the Great American Wild West Show. Cowboy at heart, Richard enjoyed new adventures and always wore his boots and hat; taking with him a big heart, an entertaining story, and a pistol for whatever was needed.

Richard was preceded in death by his father and mother, an infant sister, and an infant grandchild, Dallie Reed. Richard is survived by his wife Dee, his children DeeAnn Rothrock of Clinton, Arkansas, Kimberly Wells of Ola, Arkansas, and James Reed, Jr. of Clinton, Arkansas and three sisters Molly Martin, Kay Blue, and Carol Brown. Richard has 7 living grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Pall Bearers are Josh Baker, Jeremy Gadberry, Adam McJunkins, Eldon May, Kenny Mooney, Robert Williams.

Honorary Pall Bearers are all of the men who loved and touched James’s life and raced with him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. with services following at 12:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Clinton with Donnie Love officiating. Burial will follow at Culpepper Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark View Funeral Home. To share a memory or condolences, please go to www.ozarkviewfuneralhome.com.

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