Rev. Jimmy Lee Noland, age 86

Rev. Jimmy Lee Noland went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ at his daughter Susan’s home in Waxahachie, TX on December 10, 2024 at the age of 86 yrs, 8 months, 21 days.

Jimmy was born on March 20, 1938 in Pope County, Arkansas to Lillie Mae Philpot Noland and Leonard Bay Noland who were married in 1937. He was raised most of his years by his mom and step-dad, John Birge.

He was known by some as Jimmy Leeowen Birge.

Jimmy served both in the Army and in the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged.

Jimmy married Murlene Dowdy on December 27, 1957.  Together, they welcomed one son Jimmy Randall, and two daughters, Carol Lea, and Susan Elizabeth.

His testimony was clear — “I Never Shall Forget The Day!” He was gloriously saved on October 5, 1964. He loved to tell the story of his journey from hopeless despair to transformational faith in Jesus Christ. He saw his salvation as an answer to the faithful prayers of his wife Murlene and others.

He was a retired ordained Assemblies of God minister. With his wife by his side, he pastored eleven (11) churches in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas.

For many years, he worked for Dillaha Fruit Company, which was later bought by Ben E. Keith Produce, as a salesman and delivery driver especially to central and northern Arkansas. He also owned and ran the Noland’s Produce Market in Conway for several years.He was a world-class gardener. He would drive around and gather people’s bags of leaves and grass clippings for his compost pile. His fresh produce from his 1-1/2 acre garden, which he sold at the Conway Farmer’s Market, was greatly sought after by regular customers.

He loved dogs, especially bird dogs. He enjoyed bird hunting, especially with his hunting buddy, James Dowdy, a dear friend and brother-in-law. He liked deer hunting and excelled in fishing. Wow, was he ever a crappie slayer! He knew how to find the secret “honey holes” in his little one-man boat. He kept us supplied with frozen crappie filets for many years!! His last love was his pug, whom he affectionately named Wanda Lee.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Murlene, son Randy, and daughter Carol, half-brothers J.D. Thompson, and Donald Birge.

He is survived by one daughter, Susan Elizabeth Noland of Waxahachie, TX; daughter-in-law Fran Noland of Bigelow, AR; son-in-law James Martin of Anchorage, AK; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three brothers Billy Birge, Ronnie Birge and Tommy Birge, all of Russellville, AR; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 1:00pm with funeral service starting at 2:00pm at Damascus Assembly of God in Russellville, Arkansas. Interment to follow at Pisgah Cemetery is Pottsville, Arkansas.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com