Wayne Halbrook

  Billy Wayne Halbrook, age 68, of Sherwood, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Wayne was born September 15, 1953, to Bill and Louise Halbrook in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  Wayne graduated from Willow Springs High School in Willow Springs, Missouri in 1971. After high school, Wayne and his family moved to Sherwood, Arkansas. It was then, Wayne, met the love of his life, Mary Katherine Leone. They were married on October 4, 1974, in Jacksonville, Arkansas and celebrated 48 years together. During their life together, they were blessed with their children, Jeremy and Melissa, and three beautiful grandchildren, Parker, Hayden, and Landen, who brought him so much joy.

  In 1976, Wayne joined the United States Air Force and served four years in Selma, Alabama and Enid, Oklahoma. After serving in the military, Wayne and Mary moved back to Sherwood, Arkansas, where Wayne attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Health Science. He worked at Sylvan Hills Junior High and high school, where he coached football and basketball for 30 years. He was a wonderful coach who made a positive impact on many students.

  Wayne was a sports enthusiast, who played football, basketball, and baseball. He loved the game of baseball, which led him to attending the Harry Wendelstedt Professional Umpire School. He umpired for Southwest Conference, Sun Belt Conference, and Southeastern Conference for a total of 25 years. He was honored to have umpired regional and super regional tournaments.
Wayne loved to watch and attend all Arkansas Razorback sporting events and cheered on the St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball team. He also loved a good round of golf, but only at the twilight rate!

  Wayne was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and Grumpy, who loved his family more than anything. Nothing can replace a man like him, but when you get to Heaven, God will be lucky to have you too.

  He is remembered by his loving wife, Mary Katherine Halbrook, son, Jeremy and wife Haley (Cabot), daughter Melissa and husband Joshua Bemus (Sherwood), three grandsons, Parker, Hayden, and Landen Halbrook, one grand dog Wacha Bemus, brother Keith Halbrook (Batesville), sister Carolyn and husband Keith Hunter (Sherwood) and numerous brothers in laws, sisters in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Louise Halbrook and father, Bill Halbrook (Sherwood).

  Pallbearers will be Rocky Fawcett, Johnny Rice, Louis Nalley, Eddy Bowman, Ron Collar, Mike Parker

  In Lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Wayne Halbrook to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: givenow.lls.org

  Visitation will be 6:00PM-7:00PM Friday, July 8, 2022 at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107) with a rosary following at 7:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, July 9, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (211 W 19^th Street, North Little Rock). Interment will be held at a later date at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.