Juan Guajardo

Juan Jose Guajardo, “Johnny”, 85, of Conway passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

He was born to Juan and Agueda Guajardo in San Diego, Texas on April 17, 1939. He worked in the construction industry while earning his GED, Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses until he and his brother, Larry, founded North Little Rock Plumbing and General Contracting. He later established his own company, Superior Plumbing and General Contracting. Johnny used his companies as a means to provide for not only his family, but many others. His son, his siblings and nephews worked alongside him wherein he encouraged each of them to learn a skill and get an education. Several of his family members were able to build a career and start their own companies as a result of his support and encouragement. One of his greatest business successes was being named Arkansas Minority Small Business Person of the Year.

Boxing was a beloved pastime for Johnny. His good friend, Paul Holderfield, mentored and trained him. The Arkansas Gazette called him “the smoothest boxer among the novices with a real sweet right hand” and after 4 straight knock out wins he became North Little Rock’s golden boy. He shared his love of boxing with his brothers, son, and nephews spending many evenings training together at the NLR Boys Club.

After a rewarding and successful career, Johnny and Pat retired to Greers Ferry Lake where they had many many friends and a wonderful church home.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Garza and Agueda Ramos Guajardo, his siblings, Ramon Guajardo, Paul Guajardo, Salamon Guajardo, Del Stuenkel, Mamie Wohner, Helen Dandridge, Alex Guajardo, and Millie Carrion. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Jane Guajardo, three siblings, Larry Guajardo, Chelo Pettit, and Sally Miller, his children, Beth Fahr (Mike), John Guajardo (Laura), Janie Childress (Todd), and Annette Shook (Mike), 13 grandchildren and three great grandsons.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm at NLR (Smith Family) Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street NLR 72114

Service/Burial will be Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11:00 am at
Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetary
500 Oak Grove Road
Austin, AR 72007

Memorials can be made to Friendly Chapel, Church of the Nazerene, 116 South Pine St., North Little Rock, AR 72114