Jimmy Reedy

Jimmy Ward Reedy, known to many as “Speedy Reedy” and to his grandchildren as “Paw-Paw Jim,” departed this life on March 24, 2020 to meet his wonderful Savior that he loved so much.

He was Apostolic and a member of Life Tabernacle Church. Jimmy was born to Buell and Pearl Ward Reedy on February 16, 1937 in Conway, Arkansas. He attended Conway schools and has always kept a close connection with all his classmates. He served six years in the Army National Guard. He has lived a good, honest, Christian life and will be greatly missed by family and friends who love him. He had a big beautiful smile, and he enjoyed laughing and teasing and having fun with folks!

First of all, he will be missed by Sue Reedy, his loving wife and soulmate of 38 years. The years have been filled with hard work and lots of travel. Together, they have toured most of the United States and, due to his love of God’s nature, they’ve traveled many times through the great Smoky Mountains. Jimmy has three sisters: Anita Ferrell of Conway, Arkansas; Carma Waymack and Ron of Cabot, Arkansas; and Sylvia Harrison and Charles of Little Rock, Arkansas. He had twin brothers who died at one day old. Jimmy has three children: Teresa Moreno and Agapito of Kyle, Texas; Bobby Reedy and Mary of Truman, Arkansas; and Steve Reedy and Mellisa of Benton, Arkansas. He also had four children that he loved as his own: Belinda Goodenough of Sacramento, California; Karen Cunningham and Mark of San Antonio, Texas; Debbie Voyles of Lindale, Texas (deceased); and David Copeland and Cristi of Cato, Arkansas. He has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loves dearly.

Jimmy was a gifted musician. He began playing harmonica as a young boy and played in assemblies at school. He also taught himself to play guitar and became well known for his guitar finger picking (Meryl Travis style). He formed his first band at age sixteen called The Faulkner County Pea-Pickers. They performed at KCON radio station weekly, and every Saturday they played at the local sale barn. Later he joined the Arkansas Valley Drifters Band, and they, too, played Saturdays on KCON Radio as well as the annual Faulkner County fairs. Jimmy went on to play and teach other instruments such as banjo, fiddle, bass, dobro and steel-guitar. He played in several other bands through the years such as The Rhythm Kings, New Horizons, Barnyard Frolics, The Rhythm Masters, The Spiritualettes, The Sounds of Life and The Young at Heart Country Classics Band. His life’s work consisted of working as a glass glazier for Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. and Ace Glass Co. for thirty years. Then he operated his own building business, Reedy’s Builders, for the next few years while at the same time teaching stringed instruments at Reedy’s Pickin’ Porch Music Store, which he co-owned with his wife Sue Reedy. The store was located in Pickles Gap Village in Conway, Arkansas. He loved his music, and although he was a modest man and would not ever build himself up or promote himself, he was still known for his God-given talents.

Jimmy has touched many lives with his work and his music, but for the most part he would want to be remembered for the love he has for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He enjoyed being at home in the beautiful countryside with his wife Susie beside him and his dog Shadow resting at his feet. He was faithful to go to church and play his music and worship God. He has fought a good fight. He has finished his course. He has kept the faith. Now will he ever be with the Lord.

Open visitation will be 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2020 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. A private service will be held at Harmony Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Dave Copeland, Lance Copeland, Paul Fulmer, Jeffery Fulmer, Colton Johnson, and Jason Garrett.  Honorary Pallbearer is Lance Copeland II.