John Wayne Carver

John Wayne Carver of Gifford (Malvern), AR, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on June 22, 2023. John Wayne was born on June 2, 1941, in Malvern, AR. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Herbert and Odie Marie Carver of Gifford, AR, sisters Janet Phillips, Jestine Gentry, and brother Charles Carver.

John Wayne was a 1959 graduate of Glen Rose High School. He grew up playing baseball and later in life was a baseball coach for Bi-County little league in Malvern, AR. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, baseball, going to the horse races and spending time with family and friends.

John Wayne worked in the transport business for most of his life. He retired from ABF in 2004. During his retirement years, his time was filled with trips with his wife, Diane, gardening, traveling to his grandchildren’s sporting events, going to the horse races, meeting for coffee and good conversation with his retired buddies, and just enjoying the good life! He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, funny phrases and sayings that were signature John Wayne! If he was teasing or joking with you, you were special to him. John Wayne was always there for family and friends in a quiet type of way. He showed love by his actions, doing and giving.

He was known to his grandchildren as “Pappy”. His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He was very proud of them and enjoyed attending their sporting events, different activities, watching them grow, excel, and pursue their dreams. His grandchildren have very special memories of their time spent with him on holidays, birthdays, summers at Gifford and traveling to ball parks in many different states. He was always up for a road trip adventure!

John Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Diane Carver, two sons, John Allen Carver (Cindy) of Benton, AR, Vaughn Wayne Carver (Tina) of Gifford, AR, and six grandchildren, Justin Tidwell (Mandy), Keaton Land, Mallori Carver, John Ross Carver (Caitlin), Maddi Carver, Maci Carver, and a host of dear family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff with Gentiva Hospice (Hot Springs, AR). The care and support they provided was a blessing to our family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Family visitation will be 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, followed by a service from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern, AR. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Stroke Foundation. Atkinsonfuneralhome.net