John Casey, Sr.

John Thomas Casey, Sr., 75, of Bryant, Arkansas went to be with the Lord October 30, 2021.  He was born December 12, 1945 in Snowball, Arkansas to the late Charley and Nettie (McElroy) Casey.

John surrendered to God’s calling to preach over fifty years ago.  He served in many churches, with the most recent being pastor of Vimy Ridge Immanuel Baptist Church.  John loved on everyone he knew.  He treated others with kindness and made them feel like family.  When around John, many have said they could feel God’s presence.  John was always willing to serve others, despite what he was going through physically.  He was preaching just three weeks ago, always eager to share the good news.  John touched many lives throughout his ministry.  He performed many wedding ceremonies, sat with the sick, assisted families with funeral arrangements and officiated countless funeral services, offered an ear to hear to those needing counseling, and many other services to anyone needing help.

John also had a fun, mischievous side to his personality.  He enjoyed playing practical jokes on his family and friends.  Some of his pranks included hiding an entire drawer of silverware at the bottom of the chest freezer.  He took time to take everything out of the freezer, laid the silverware all out on the bottom, and put all the frozen food back on top, and another one was placing tape on the spray nozzle of the faucet causing water to spew everywhere!

John made an amazing Santa Claus.  No matter where he went, people would stop and stare at him, wondering if maybe Santa did exist!   Many would ask to take pictures with him, whether he was at Wal-Mart or a restaurant.  John often visited schools, clubs, children’s homes, and nursing homes with his children often assisting as elves.

John practiced the golden rule.  He taught his children to love others and to be kind.  He showed them how to do nice things for others, expecting nothing in return.  As a result of his genuine care and compassion, his children and grandchildren often brought their friends to their home to meet him.  He always reminded his children that as long as he had a roof over his head, they did too.

Preceding John in death are his parents; brothers:  Charles Casey and Doug Casey; and sisters:  Patricia Rains, Mozelle Yancey, and Corrine Payne.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of thirty-two years, Sandra Casey of Bryant, Arkansas; four children:  John Casey, Jnr. of Bryant, Arkansas, Shauna Casey-Veazey of Benton, Arkansas, Bob Casey and wife Lori of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Jessica Casey-Bennett of Alexander, Arkansas; seven grandchildren:  Ashton Grace Veazey, Leslie Anne Veazey, Madalyn Grace Casey, Katie Lynn Veazey, Hunter Austin Bennett, Haley Michelle Casey, and Joey Thomas Casey; two sisters:  Robbie Nell Raver of Harrison, Arkansas and Mary Jo Griffin of Snowball, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who love John and will miss him always.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, November 4, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton, Arkansas.  Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Don Chancellor and Bro. Clarence Shell will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 5 at Vimy Ridge Immanuel Baptist Church, 12214 Germania Road in Alexander, Arkansas.  Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 6 at Witts Springs Cemetery in Witts Springs, Arkansas.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:   www.SmithFamilyCares.com.