Funeral Services for Jessie William “JW” Guffey, Age 83 of Viola, Arkansas will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 at The Barker Funeral Home, Salem, Arkansas, beginning at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 22nd, 2026 at The Funeral Home from 6:00- 8:00 PM. Interment will be in The Free Union Cemetery, Leota, Missouri.
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.
