Johnny Frady

Master Sergeant Johnny Frady went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2026. He was born on May 10, 1940, as the youngest of 10 children to John and Esther Frady in Cerrogordo, Arkansas.

He attended Plainview School and Foreman High School and was a member of First Baptist Church in Foreman. He enlisted in the U.S.M.C. on July 7, 1958, and served until August 1, 1980. He served as a drill instructor at M.C.R.D. San Diego, California; M.C.R.D. Parris Island, South Carolina; and N.A.S. Pensacola, Florida Naval Officers Candidate School in addition to serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. He returned to his roots in Little River County, Arkansas and became a forester for Weyerhauser before working for and retiring from Red River Army Depot. He then launched his third career as a poultry grower, rancher, and tree farmer. Mr. Frady was a down-to-earth, humane farmer who was known for his sense of humor and humble demeanor. He loved his family, respected and honored all people, and loved sharing the bounty of the farm with his family and friends.

Mr. Frady was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther Frady; four sisters, Della Frady, Lillie Mae Brown, Margie McGough, and Irene McGough; five brothers, Truman Frady, Alfus Frady, L.G. Frady, Mack Frady, and Billy Frady; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Klitz Frady of 66 years; children, Ramona and Bill Beasley; Alice and Glenn Olsson; John and Kathy (whom he considered a daughter) Frady; and Mary and Jerry Miller; grandchildren, Brandon Humphrey, Kristin Galligani, Lauren Galligani, Kelli Cowan, Wesley Frady, Chesley Cowan, Sydney Cowan, Liberty Cowan, Johnny Cowan, Oakleah Cowan, and Alexis Miller; great-grandchildren, Mari Jean Humphrey, Jaden Bunch, and Kylie Swiney; and children by choice, Jesus and Ana Jaralillo, Melannye Jaralillo, Stephanie Perez, and Delores Perez.

Graveside funeral services with military rites for Mr. Frady will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Pauley Cemetery, with his son, Pastor John Frady, officiating, under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home in De Queen.

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Wilkerson Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.wilkersonfuneralhomes.com