Gary Hugh Goolsby

Gary Hugh Goolsby, age 77, of Rison went to be with his Lord on Monday, February 14, 2022. He was born August 8, 1944 in Garden City, Kansas to the late Macon and Opal Witherington Goolsby. Mr. Goolsby graduated from Sheridan High School in 1962 and Henderson State University in 1966. He taught school for 11 years and, worked for Amtrack and moved to Rison in 1978 where he owned and operated the Exxon Service Station for 12 years. In 2006, he retired from Central Maloney. Mr. Goolsby was a Deacon at Rison Baptist Church, volunteered with the American Red Cross and served as a Gideon. He enjoyed watching the Razorbacks, fishing on the Saline River, bragging on his grandkids and having breakfast with friends at the Main Street Café. He had the biggest heart of any human on the planet.

He is survived by his loving wife Debbie Jones Goolsby, whom he married in 1975, his daughters, Sally Spruell (Chris) of Rison, Linda Vallance (Alan) of Jane, MO, his grandchildren, Joe Green (Kaia), Tyson Vallance (Julie), Shelby Spruell, Zoe Vallance, Emma Green, and one great-granddaughter Charlotte Green. He is also survived by his brother Alan Goolsby and his sister Gloria Purifoy.

Memorial services will be 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Rison Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216. 

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