J Lee Bardwell

J Lee Bardwell was born May 2, 1936 in Glenwood , AR.  He graduated from Glenwood High School May 24, 1954 and passed away in Hot Springs , AR March 19, 2024.  

He married Lucille Caldwell in Glenwood December 31, 1954 and attended Bethel Missionary Baptist Church .

He served in the Army as a demolition specialist, with a tour of duty in Germany .  On return to the United States , he graduated from Arkansas A&M, Monticello , AR with a degree in forestry, May 27, 1963.

During his US Forestry Service career, Lee traveled the eastern US, received numerous awards and achievements.  He retired as Eastern Regional Director, in Atlanta , GA after 21 years of service.

He entered into private real estate business with Alec Nations, LLC, with Lucille managing apartment complex turnkey operations.

He and his family returned to Glenwood.  

J Lee was actively engaged in the community, establishing the Caddo Consortium to mentor youth for improving their technology skills, as well as working at the Soil Conservation department of Pike County , in Murfreesboro .   Lee believed in continuous education, and he was a constant learner.  He was sought out for common sense advice across a number of areas; from automotive repair, home improvements, technology, to practical life skills.

J Lee was an avid fisherman, and it was not unusual to find him at Benjamin Lake on a good day.  He had honed skills over the years in taxidermy, hunting, fishing and mechanical repairs.  He was known to be able to diagnose and fix “just about anything” that wasn’t working properly.

J Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Mary ( Hamilton ) Bardwell, and his son Kenneth Lee Bardwell.  He is survived by his spouse, Lucille (Caldwell) Bardwell, daughter Janet Lynn (Bardwell) and husband Terry Richardson, grandson Ricky Moon, great grandchildren Russell and Hudson Moon, brother James and wife Nell Bardwell, sister Florene (Bardwell) Parton, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services are held at Smith Family Funeral Home in Glenwood on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10 a.m. with viewing at 9 a.m.  

Pallbearers are: Brock Parton, Terry Richardson, Johnny Keller, Jamie Ramey, Ricky Moon and honorary pallbearer Bart Parton.  

“Let me not be judged by the number that mourn my death, but by the lives I have touched with a smile and words of encouragement.  Encouragement, to find within their souls, the strength to dream of greater things, and reach their highest goals.”

J. Lee Bardwell    1986