James Frank Basinger, Jr.

James Frank "Jimmy" Basinger, Jr., 86, formerly of Smackover, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

Born the middle child of Maggie Ola and James Frank Basinger, Sr., on March 6, 1923, Jimmy was raised outside Sarepta, La., during the Great Depression, along with his 15 brothers and sisters. Jimmy was a veteran of the Pacific campaign in World War II. Upon returning home from war, Jimmy sought out a beautiful little red-headed lady named Dorothy Preston who worked at the post office in Smackover. Though she had never met him, Dorothy wrote letters of encouragement to Jimmy while he was fighting the war overseas. Jimmy married Dorothy and remained a devoted husband and provider to her for over 63 years.

Affectionately known as "Pop" to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jimmy found endless joy in spending time with all the children in his family. Pop could always be found taking the kids fishing, hunting and camping. He always found time to attend school sporting events and was quick to give encouragement and advice. Pop was admired by all the children for his amazing ability to fix darn near anything with next to nothing in no time flat. MacGyver couldn't hold a candle to our Pop. All the children in his life are left with wonderful memories of time they spent with their Pop.

Jimmy devoted himself to a life of public service after an explosion at Cross Oil Refinery left his legs severely damaged, ending his 20 year career there. He proudly retired from the Camden office of the Arkansas Employment Security Division in 1989. Jimmy then went to work for the federal government in the Office of Personnel Management where he proudly served until his health forced him to retire a second time at the age of 81. Jimmy also worked for the DAV, where he served as Commander and was a Reserve Deputy for Ouachita and Union Counties. He was a member of the American Legion, DAV, I.U.O.E. and the Arkansas Employees Association.

Jimmy was preceded in death by three sisters, Florence Morgan, Marjorie Burkes and Leola Staggs; seven brothers, James, Murphy, Nolan, John, Leo, Oscar, and Norville Basinger; and one great-grandson, Tyler Haynes.

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Jimmy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Preston Basinger; a son, Del Basinger of Orange, Texas; a daughter, D. Sharon Lea of Conway; two sisters, Joyce Boyette of Shreveport, La., and Carrie Palmer of Sarepta, La.; three brothers, Carl Basinger of Cullen, La., William Basinger of Trinity, Texas, and Eugene Basinger of West Memphis; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with graveside service to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.