James Hembrey

James Hembrey, 87 of Paragould, former longtime Leachville resident, passed from this life Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at Monette Manor. The son of the late J.F. and Edna Taylor Hembrey, he was born in Sulphur Rock and was raised in Arbyrd, Mo. He was a 1955 graduate of Arbyrd High School and later served in the United States Army. James was a retired machinist with Emerson Electric. He was of the Church of Christ faith and was an avid Arkansas Razorback basketball fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Geraldine Holt Hembrey, second wife Olean Pruett Hembrey, a daughter Shelby Jean Sexton, four brothers and a sister.

Survivors include one daughter, Tammy Puckett of Walnut Ridge; one brother, Jimmie Hembrey of Monette; seven grandchildren, Alex Sexton, Jack Sexton, Justin Puckett, Jonas Puckett, Mahtia Puckett, Kayla Dreger and Haley Dreger; four great-grandsons, Clark, Ben, Miles and Jackson; one great-granddaughter, Ember. James also leaves his loving companion, Dorothy Fredericks, of Paragould and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Monday, March 4, in the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Reverend Stacy Prater officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers will be Justin Puckett, Jonas Puckett, Alex Sexton, Jackson Sexton, Ronnie Sexton and Randy Hembrey. The family will receive visitors Monday from 1:30 p.m.until service time at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.