John Thomas Gautney Jr. was the kind of man you don’t come across often anymore-strong, dependable, hardworking, and full of heart. He lived a life rooted in faith, family, and the simple things that mattered most. If you knew John, you knew you could count on him for anything.

More than anything in this world, John loved his family fiercely. He cherished his wife of 46 years, and was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren. He spent his life showing up for the people he loved – whether that meant coaching softball teams, sitting in the bleachers cheering everyone on, lending a helping hand, or simply being there whenever he was needed.

John never met a stranger and never hesitated to help someone in need. If anybody had a problem, he would drop whatever he was doing in a heartbeat to help. He had a gift for fixing things – whether it was something broken around the house, a vehicle, or a problem nobody else could figure out. To his family and friends, he was the one you called when you needed help, and he never let anyone down.

He loved the outdoors and felt most at peace there. Deer season and deer camp in Crossett were some of his favorite traditions- early mornings in the woods, stories around camp, laughter with friends, and memories made over the years that became part of who he was. He also loved spending time at St. George Island, where life slowed down and his happiest moments were often spent surrounded by family, sunshine, and the water.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John T. Gautney Sr., Virginia Gautney and a son Drew Michael Gautney.

John is survived by his loving wife, Faith Gautney; his daughters, Erin Kindy and husband Cody Kindy, and Emily Gautney; his beloved grandchildren, Jasen Wisener, Carson Conyers, Luke Kindy, Beau Kindy, and Samuel Gautney; his brother, Richard Gautney and wife Karen Gautney; his Sister-in-Law Tina Manning and husband Charlie, a very special uncle, Danny Gautney; and a host of nieces and friends that meant the world to him.

He is also survived by a host of friends and family at the Gautney Hunting Club, as well as countless friends and people whose lives he touched through Civitan Services in Bryant, Arkansas.

Though our hearts are broken, we are thankful for every lesson he taught us, every laugh we shared, every game he coached, every story he told, and every moment we were blessed to spend with him. His memory will live on in deer stands, at ballfields, on backroads, at the beach, and around family gatherings for generations to come.

And somewhere beyond this life, we imagine him finally at peace – no pain, no struggle – just clear skies, tall pines, good company, and an alert buck moving through the woods at daylight.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Civitan Services.

Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:00pm in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville.

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