David Lee Eason

David Lee Eason was born February 17, 1944 in Sparkman. He was the 5th of 13 children born to George “Boot” Eason and Beatrice Cook Eason. 

He accepted Christ at a tender age and was baptized at First Baptist Church Sparkman. David graduated from the Sparkman Training School. He married Mae Nora and to this union two children were born. He  later moved to Dallas, Texas where he worked as a contractor.

David Lee was the owner and operator of Arkansas Dave’s Barbecue located in the sunny south Dallas. His slogan was “One Bite and You’ll Never Forget”. Many knew him as the “Arkansas BBQ Man”.

He was widely known for his mouthwatering BBQ, tasty sauce and all the trimmings. Those who truly knew David, knew that he had a big heart of gold. He truly modeled the scripture Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Williams Chicken, a popular chicken eatery in Dallas would give him all of their leftover chicken; he would then take that chicken and feed the homeless. He was brave going under bridges and in destitute areas of Dallas to make sure the homeless had a meal.

After 75 seasons of life on March 2, 2019, David Lee passed from this life. He loved the life he lived and lived the life he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings. 

Memories of David Lee will live in the hearts of his three children, David L. Eason, Charrottie Eason and Ota Davenport; four grandchildren; four sisters, Mildrene Paden of Sparkman, Merynlene Williams, Rubie M. Dawn and Naomi Eason all of Arkadelphia; four brothers, Edward L. Eason and Steve D. Eason both of Sparkman, Felix D. Eason of Little Rock and Tommie L. Eason of Milwaukee; a sister-in-law, Loreatha Eason of Sparkman; his best friends, Rev. Eddie Wright, George Williams, Herman Morow, Carol E. Alexander, Shirley Buckley and Henry L. Giles. He also leaves a host of 33 nieces and nephews; numerous friends and extended family members.  

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren in Camden, Arkansas. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas with Rev. L. A. Craig, eulogist. Mr. Eason will lie in state one hour prior to service time. Interment will be at Sparkman Memorial Cemetery.