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.
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24 Condolence(s)
larhonda (Noggle) roberts and lafrances noggle
Sunday, March 22, 2026
you couldn't meet Billy Jack and not like him. He was always smiling and happy. He was such a blessing to mom and dad in their times of heartbreak. What a wonderful human being. I know he will be missed.
Chris and Leah Hutto
Friday, March 20, 2026
Dear Family. We are so sorry for yall's loss. In talking with Preacher Bill i understand how good of a man Mr. Leach was. I pray for strength and comfort and peace today and for the days ahead. Yall are good people and i hate your hurting but i know God will help your pain and help your hearts to heal.. ❤️
Jim Hawkins
Friday, March 20, 2026
BJ was one of the finest gentlemen I ever knew. He was a great mentor to me and someone who you knew really cared for and loved you.
I pray for everyone's strength and peace at this time and dearly love everyone of you.
Jimmy Louis
Jackie Leach
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Uncle Billy will be missed by a lot of people. Family, friends military friends and people from UCA and me too!
Glenn Stacks
Thursday, March 19, 2026
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Leach. After I retired from the military, Chief Leach hired me as an officer with the UCA Police Department. He was extremely fair to his officers. When he got ready to retire, he promoted me to Deputy Chief. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace Chief! 🙏🙏🙏
Glynda Starkey
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Bill. Sherry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You have such sweet parents. Your family's in my prayers.
Rod Pearson
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
My sincerest condolence to the family of Chief Billy Jack Leach. I had known him for over 47 years and during my own tenure in law enforcement. I respected him as a good police officer and a fair supervisor to his UCA police department. I really enjoyed talking with him. I know he will be missed.
Captain Rod Pearson
Conway, AR Police Department (Retired)
Deputy Sheriff, Faulkner Co. AR (Retired)
Bobby and Marian Loyd
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Our fond memories reinforce the wonderful qualities of this fine man. Our prayers are with the family.
Daymon & Patsy Brewer
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Shirley & family so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
Wanda Newland
Monday, March 16, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Mr Billy jack was a wonderful Christian man. Wanda covington Newland
Terry and Reta Brewer
Monday, March 16, 2026
Shirley, Sherry, Angela, Susan and Family, we are thinking about all of you during this very difficult time. Billy Jack was a great person and will be dearly missed.
James Mullenax
Monday, March 16, 2026
Very nice man.
May he rest in peace.
James Mullenax
Beverly Wallace
Monday, March 16, 2026
It was an honor and privilege for us to know and spend time with Billy Jack over the last many years. He leaves a great legacy. Praying for you all at this time of loss.
HC and Beverly Wallace
Suzann Floyd
Monday, March 16, 2026
Susan, I always loved it when your parents came in the bank. They were so sweet and always smiling. I know that you will miss your dad so much, but you have many precious memories to hold onto and they will see you through these dark days. Prayers for all of you, especially your sweet mom, as you begin a new chapter in your lives.
Deena R Beaty
Monday, March 16, 2026
So very sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure knowing Bill when he sat on the Faulkner County Board of Equalization for many years.
Randy O. Bowling
Monday, March 16, 2026
Susan & Family:
I got to know Bill when attending U.C.A. in Fall 1973 thru August 1978. He was a great mentor for me. I greatly appreciated his mentorship, guidance, advice, & wise council through several decades.
He was always available, especially in my days as a Sheriff's Captain (2 counties), Federal Investigator, & in later years as the Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Twin Groves.
I greatly appreciated his USAF stories, in the A.P. When I petitioned for the 3 degrees of masonry, Bill was one of my signers.
He was truly a great man & a great American. I shall greatly miss him, our visits, phone calls, & close friendship. The U.S. of A. as a whole & the state have lost a truly great man; & Heaven has gained an equally great soul.
/s/ Randy O. Bowling
R.O.B./
Melinda Reynolds
Sunday, March 15, 2026
To the Leach family, we are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great man, and I know he will be missed.
John and Julia Magee
Sunday, March 15, 2026
We know this is a difficult time for you and your family. Please know that we are holding you close in love and prayer. We didn't know your dad but have been told what a wonderful man he was.
Tim Starkey
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Lanny doc noggle
Saturday, March 14, 2026
You were one of the good guys. Lanny doc Noggle
Les Smith
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Dear Leach Family:
I'm so very sorry to hear this. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and Prayers
Les Smith
Jackie Leach
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Family
Keith Leach
Friday, March 13, 2026
There's no other place to be and no better place to be but in the hands of God. Billy Jack is still with us in that sense. My heart aches for his family and I'm sorry for your loss.
Billy Arnett
Friday, March 13, 2026
So sorry for your loss
Prayers