On December 21, 1973 a special son, Jason Reece Givens, affectionately known as “J”, was born to Barbara Mahan Givens and Edward Dale Givens Jr. in Sparkman, AR. On December 18, 2022, this special son, outstanding father, and faithful husband died at CHI St. Vincent Hospital, Hot Springs, as a result of a tragic accident on Central Avenue in front of Oaklawn Park. Jason and his family live in Benton.
Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara, Grandparents Reece and Atha Mahan of Sparkman, AR and Dale and Louise Givens of Sparkman, AR.
Jason is survived by his dad Ed and wife, Judy, brother B. Mark Givens, of Camden, wife Stephanie, daughter Reece Jalynn Givens and son Payne Michael Givens, and a host of friends that were considered family.
His hobbies included hunting at Sparkman, deep sea fishing, horse racing, golf and cheering on the Steelers.
Jason worked for Arkansas Farm Bureau for 23 years starting in Ashdown, then to DeQueen, Hot Springs and ended his career in the state office in Little Rock, as a District Claims Manager. For the last two years, he sold cars for Everett Buick-GMC in Benton.
During his career, he met many people from all professions and walks of life. He was always professional with the relations between his employers and clients; thus many of his clients became lifelong friends.
In lieu of flowers, a Memorial may be made in his name to New Hope Baptist Church at 615 Dallas 226 Sparkman, AR 71763. Jason grew up, a member of the church.
Starting now, a move is underway to get a crosswalk bridge over the highway in front of Oaklawn constructed, even over scenic 7. There have been numerous accidents resulting in death at this crossing. Let’s not let Jason’s death be in vain. This bridge would be the “Jason Reece Givens Memorial Bridge.”
Pallbearers: Derek Phillips, Jamie Calhoun, Tucker Freeman, Steve Murray, Matt Wingfield, John Brewer, Chad Hawkins, and Mike Carter.
Honorary Pallbearers: David Brazeal, Tracy Harmon, Brandon Shelton, Richard Poole, Josh Webb, Brad Burke, Brent Patterson, Glenn Manning, Brady Baker, Jeremy Lemons, and Kevin Reed.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22 at Ashby Funeral Home, 108 W. Narroway in Benton, Ar. 72015.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 23 at New Hope Baptist Church, 1621 Hwy 128 in Sparkman, Ar. 71763. Burial will follow at Givens Cemetery in Sparkman. Bro. Shawn Barnard and Bro. David Dillard will be officiating.
Joseph Edward Machycek, 60, of Mabelvale died unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 17 of a suspected heart attack while working in Hot Springs.
He was born on Nov. 1, 1962 in Little Rock, graduated from McClellan High School in 1981 and raised two children, Jobey and Tiphanie, with his ex-wife, Tina.
He was an incredibly hard worker, running a one-man roofing and remodeling business for more than 26 years, often starting before dawn and finishing after sundown. His reputation for attention to detail, reliability and honesty attracted a steady stream of loyal customers, many of whom became his friends.
Most of all, Joe had a heart of gold. He was a good man to his core, and he loved to laugh and joke. His sparkly blue eyes and ready smile were like a ray of sunshine to anyone – human or animal – who crossed his path. He had an uncanny knack for spotting a soul in need and going out of his way to help, whether it be offering a ride to people he saw struggling along the road and slipping them cash or rescuing homeless cats and dogs, getting them sterilized and vaccinated, and finding them homes.
He loved watching the Razorbacks, attending sprint car races across the country, gardening, fishing and camping with his dad and brother, preparing multi-course meals, baking his famous Cashaw pumpkin pies, making muscadine wine, playing the slots, and just hanging out with his family and his girlfriend. He had a soft heart, often crying over movies, TV shows and even commercials.
Joe is predeceased by his son, Jobey. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Bridgeman; his father, John Machycek (Lawanna); his daughter, Tiphanie (Brandon Rich); grandchildren Tessa, Matthew ‘Bo’ and Jasmine; siblings Pattie and Johnny Machycek, Bobby and Cheryle Horton, and Wayne and Shannon Bridgeman; his girlfriend, Linda Satter; his beloved cats; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and a ton of friends he considered family.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 6219 Baseline Road in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Joe’s name to Feline Rescue & Rehome (FURR) or Community Cats of Central Arkansas, which are helping to rehome his many cats.
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