Jessie William "JW" Guffey

Jessie William “J.W.” Guffey, 83, of Viola, Arkansas, passed away on June 19, 2026, in Viola. He was born on July 5, 1942, in Ott, Arkansas, to David Loyd and Hazel Lorraine (Vaughan) Guffey.

On July 15, 1960, J.W. married the love of his life, Sharon Mae Borden, in Elizabeth, Arkansas. They shared 65 years of marriage, building a life rooted in family, hard work, and deep devotion to the land they called home.

J.W. spent more than 40 years buying, selling, and trading cattle, traveling weekly to sale barns across the region, including the stockyards in Memphis. For nearly 30 of those years, he worked side by side with his cousin and close friend, the late Kenneth Guffey. He also co‑owned and operated the Salem Livestock Auction in Salem for 45 years, 25 of those alongside his partner and friend, the late Gordon Bray.

Farming and cattle were far more than a livelihood to J.W.—they were his life’s passion. He took immense pride in his cattle, his farm, and the land he cherished, working tirelessly to care for them. He found great joy and purpose in tending his herd and working the fields, and he passed that same love and respect for cattle, farming, and the land on to his children. Through his example, he instilled in them the values of hard work, stewardship, and dedication that defined his life. His devotion to the land remained steadfast throughout his entire life and stands as a lasting part of his legacy.

J.W. is survived by his wife, Sharon Guffey of Viola, Arkansas; his son, Bryan Guffey (Dana) of Viola, Arkansas; two daughters, Lisa Shrable (Ray) of Gepp, Arkansas, and Tresa Lester (Lee) of Viola, Arkansas; six grandchildren: Jesse Shrable, Corby James, Leslie Moss, Lane Guffey, Carson Guffey, and Clint Lester; eight great‑grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly; three brothers: Roe Guffey of Bakersfield, Missouri, Junior Guffey (Pam) of Bakersfield, Missouri, and Lynn Guffey (Mary) of Gepp, Arkansas; two stepbrothers: Kenny Parton (Diana) of Moody, Missouri, and Jerry Parton (Betty) of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters‑in‑law, Wanda Guffey and Cherrie Guffey.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his special caregivers, whose compassion, kindness, and devoted care provided comfort, dignity, and friendship. Their support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas, with Bro. Robert Lash and Bro. Alan Talburt officiating.

Visitation will be Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Barker Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Shrable, Clint Lester, Lynn Guffey, Lane Guffey, Carson Guffey, and Corby James.

Honorary pallbearers are Danny Perryman, Charity James, Kirsten Lester, Leslie Moss, and Bradley Moss.

Interment will be in Free Union Cemetery in Leota, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.