Archie Vincent Barnard, Sr., 73 of Bryant, Arkansas, gained eternal life peacefully and surrounded by his family on Monday, December 25, 2017.

Archie was born in Savannah, Georgia on June 1, 1944, but lived in Arkansas for most of his life. It was in Arkansas in 1965 where he met the love of his life, Shirley. He took her breath away, and he knew he couldn't live without her. Most everyone that knew him said they wouldn't last more than six months. He continued to take her breath away throughout their marriage for the next 51 years.

Archie was a passionate man. He lived his life to the fullest until the last year, where the cancer and treatments took their toll, causing him to become bedridden for the last months. During this time, there were many laughs, tears, and conversations where he bared his heart. There was much pain, suffering, and even anger. One of the hardest things for those closest to him to witness was the loss of his voice. That LOUD, STRONG, EXUBERANT, voice that so many loved had diminished to a soft whisper. Even through that whisper, some of the sweetest and most precious memories were made.

Archie believed his family was one of his greatest accomplishments. They were his life. He loved and was so proud of his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Barnard, his two children, Archie Barnard Jr., Melissa Hoover, his five grandchildren, Archie III, Mayson, Michael, Alycia, Sydney, and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on January 6, 2018, from 1:00 to 2:00PM.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com