Donnie Ray Justice

Donnie Ray Justice, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born November 10, 1937, in Van Buren, Arkansas, Donnie was a beloved son of Clarence Everett Justice and Sarah Elizabeth (Spencer) Justice.

A proud graduate of Van Buren High School, Donnie built his life around faith, family, and service. On December 11, 1954, he married the love of his life, Betty Sue (Fisher) Justice, in Van Buren, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned more than seven decades.

Donnie enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing, and he generously gave his time as a volunteer with the Red Cross. He was a faithful member of Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church since April of 1974, where his love for God was evident through his kindness, humility, and willingness to serve others.
He will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man whose faith guided every aspect of his life.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Betty Sue Justice; two sons, Bobby Justice and wife Karen, and Mike Justice and wife Aron; five grandchildren, Amanda Roark, Shawn Justice, Michael Justice, Jennifer Jerrell, and Abby Hall; ten great-grandchildren, Haden, Haley, Hadley, Wyatt, Ella, Emmy, Lily, Riley, Ty, and Adriel; one great-great-grandchild, Collins; and his sister, Barbara O’Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Sarah Justice; his daughter, Peggy Hall; his granddaughter, Amy Hall; and his brother, Bill Justice.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Lewis Funeral Chapel, located at 4817 Kelley Highway in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church, with Will Harmon officiating. Pallbearers will be Derrick Jerrell, Ty Jerrell, Michael Justice, Shawn Justice, Justin Roark, and Haden Roark. Interment will follow at Steep Hill Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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