Bobby Ray "Byrd" Buckley

God hath made everything beautiful in His time. On December 2, 1956, He brought forth Bobby Ray Buckley, one of His most beautiful and valuable creations. Bobby Ray was the 11th child born to Ollie and Osie Richardson Buckley. He grew up in Arkadelphia surrounded by the love of his sisters and brothers. He was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School. During his early childhood Bobby accepted Christ and was baptized at Tate Temple COGIC. God entrusted Bobby with the greatest task of all; to nurture, raise, and love two sons RaShawn and Taurean. “Byrd,” as he was affectionately known by family and friends, lived life to the fullest, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. He was not a man of many words, but of few words and of many virtues. He was a good man and a hard worker. Bobby traveled this road of life and dealt with the stormy and sunny days along the way to the best of his ability with integrity and character. Bobby moved to Little Rock, Arkansas and was last employed at Southern Office Services for 15 years. He was a wonderful father, brother, uncle and friend. His greatest joy was spending time with his granddaughter, Sirimara Family as well as friends will miss his smile, his love, but will never forget his mild spirit and compassionate heart. Because love is far greater than death, he departs this earth in body only. Byrd was preceded into transition by his parents: Ollie and Osie Buckley; grandparents: Lee Roy and Irena Richardson and Eli and Rosie Buckley as well as several uncles and aunts. He leaves indelible impressions in the hearts and minds of his children: RaShawn Buckley (special friend: Siriwan Smith) of North Little Rock, AR and Taurean Buckley of Little Rock, AR; a granddaughter: Sirimara Buckley of North Little Rock, AR; and his special friend: Felicia Whitfield of Little Rock, AR. Bobby also leaves 13 siblings: Alfred Scott, Ollie Leon Buckley (Mable), Clarance Buckley, Freddie Buckley (Mary), Belinda Bailey (Earl), Timothy Buckley (Joanne), Carl Buckley (Marsha), Alvin Buckley, Roy Buckley, Tressie Utsey (Jeff) all of Arkadelphia, AR; Charles Buckley (Margret) of Hot Springs, AR, Gregory Buckley (Valerie) of Rockford, IL, Beverly Johnson (Preston) of Little Rock, AR ; three adopted siblings: Cynthia Haynes of Arkadelphia, AR; Juan Scott of Hope, AR, and Mary Salvage (Chris) of Virginia Beach, VI; two aunts: Mary Brownlee of Arkadelphia, AR, Alberta Jefferson of Lansing, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends. Bobby Ray will lie in state at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, May 14, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. the family will greet and receive friends from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. Elder Robert Davis, the pastor of Holy Deliverance COGIC, Warren, Arkansas will deliver the celebration message. The committal service and final resting place will be in Helms Cemetery.