Bobby Joe Macon

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust

Is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that

Sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear…”

Bobby Joe Macon was born in the small close-knit community of Griffithtown near Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on March 27, 1944. He was born to Gilbert and Alberta-Bullock Macon. Raised in a Christian home, he carried those values with him throughout his life. Growing up, Bobby never said much, but loved to have fun and play sports. His favorite sport to play was baseball.

Bobby was baptized and joined New Bethel Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful member until his passing. At the young age of eight years old, Bobby aspired to bring messages and spoken words to God’s people. The late Elder G. C. Nolen gave him the opportunity to speak to his congregation on “Love and Harmony.”  He loved attending Sunday School and chiming in on the discussion. You would often hear him singing one of his favorite songs, “Walk with me Lord.” Bobby Joe would carry his bible with him daily, no matter where he went. He always studied God’s word and focused on growing closer to his Lord and Savior. He would often attend local churches, fellowshipping and worshipping God with others in the community. He attended a rural school and later graduated from the now historic Peake High School in Arkadelphia.

He soon met the beautiful and soft-spoken Ruth Pierce. Following a brief courtship, their love blossomed into a fruitful marriage on February 14, 1969. Their union was blessed with two children; Adonna and Bobby Jerome.

He loved watching and playing horses, playing cards with family and friends, and supporting the Badger Football team every Friday night. To know Bobby Joe, was to love him. He had the most beautiful smile. Bobby Joe was a family man and loved attending all gatherings and reunions when he was able to. He was a well-known entrepreneur owning a pulp wood truck and a night club "juke joint". Bobby Joe was a betting man who enjoyed the horse races and a good card game.

On Friday, February 12, 2021, in the comfort of his daughter’s beautiful home, surrounded by family and friends, he claimed Victory. He was preceded in transition by his parents, Gilbert Macon and Alberta Macon-Reed, and his brothers, Albert and Leon Macon.

His irreplaceable presence will be missed by his lovely wife of 51 years, Ruth Macon of Griffithtown, AR; his daughter, Adonna Macon of Sherwood, AR; his son, Bobby Jerome Macon of Little Rock, AR; four grandchildren, Natasha Parks, Tyler Thorton, Kyler Phifer, and Jamarei Macon; two great-grandchildren; his sisters, Louise Jones (Gale) of Griffithtown, AR and Mae Owens of Arkadelphia, AR; his sister-in-law Betty Walton of Florida; his brother-in-laws, Carl Pierce of Franklinton, LA and Bobby Pierce of Detroit, Michigan; He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews; a special niece, Odessa Matlock, several cousins and innumerable friends.

Walk-thru visitation will be Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, February 26, 2021 at noon at the Arkadelphia Rec Center in Feaster Park with Rev. Greg Marshall, officiating. Interment will be in Piney Grove Cemetery.