of Conway, AR

January 23, 1932 - March 11, 2026

Billy Jack Leach, 94, went to be with his Lord & Savior on March 11, 2026. He was born on January 23, 1932, on Beckett Mountain in Faulkner County to W.C. ''Bill'' and Jewel Beckett Leach. Billy Jack was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Robert Wayne Leach, and siblings, Montene Skaggs, Reva Cook, Harol Leach, Shelton Leach, Bernice Hawkins, Howard Leach and Maxine Leach.

Billy Jack graduated from Mt. Vernon High School where he excelled in basketball and gave up a basketball college scholarship to join the United States Air Force. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Nova Brady, on June 23, 1951, in Benton, AR. His Air Force career also began in 1951. He served at Little Rock AFB in Jacksonville, AR, Ben Guerir AFB, Morocco, Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA, Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya, and retiring in 1971 from Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York.

After retirement he brought his family back to Mt. Vernon where he purchased some land and built a new home. He began a new career at State College of Arkansas, now the University of Central Arkansas. After working in the security department for three months, he was promoted to Director of Public Safety, holding the position of ''Chief'' until retirement in 1992.

Billy Jack was a faithful member and deacon of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. He loved his church & the Lord Jesus with all his heart. He enjoyed his family, attending all activities & games of his children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. He was an avid gardener producing delicious vegetables every growing season. A dedicated family man he was available to any of us when we called or anyone in the community.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 75 years, Shirley; his daughters, Sherry Griffith (Bill), Angela Strain, and Susan Baker (George); 7 grandchildren, Shane Griffith (Casey), Jamie Griffith, Sarah Wallace (Hank), Steven Strain, Chris Baker (Alex), Dustin Baker (Jessie), and Abby Needham (Cole); ten great grandchildren, Cade Griffith (Katherine), Holly Griffith, Allyson, Lexi, Reese, Karis, Jenna, Savannah & Hayes Wallace, and the newest, Brooks Samuel Baker.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, March 20 at Center Church in Conway at 2 pm with the Rev. Bill Griffith officiating. Pallbearers are Shane & Jamie Griffith, Chris & Dustin Baker, Cade Griffith, and Jordan Case. Visitation will be March 19 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home from 6-8 pm. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the first responders and medical staff who cared for dad after his fall; and Melissa Hight, her staff, and Hospice Home Care for their excellent care during our father's final days. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church building fund.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com