Joe McCauley

Joe Atward McCauley, age 101, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life to his eternal life on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at his home.  He was born January 27, 1925, in Okolona, the son of the late Harvey and Euphie Kelly McCauley.  

Joe and his wife, Leona Cash, were a truck driving team employed by Ouachita Marine Boat Co. and Keith Smith trucking for over twenty-four years.  Prior to driving trucks, he was a heavy equipment operator/contractor, working on road construction, DeGray Dam, Boswell Lake, and power line right-of-ways. He was a past member of Okolona School Board and a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.  Joe enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, traveling, camping, and reading Louis L’Amour books.  Joe loved attending Davidson Camp Meeting. Training horses was a favorite part of his life and driving a good team and wagon was a joy on the Okolona Trail ride. 

Joe will always be remembered for his kind spirit and calm nature.  He never was critical of anyone and was quick to see the humor in almost any situation. He was treasured as a role model by his children and special nephew, Dean Clark. His excellent memory produced many stories about his life, family and friends. 

Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Leona, of seventy-four years, his parents, three brothers, Millard and wife (Cooter), Mack and wife (Tommie Lou) and Wayne McCauley, and one sister, Ruby Dale McCauley.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Vance McCauley (Vickie) of Okolona and Randy McCauley (Rose Ann) of Arkadelphia, two daughters, Voncile Smith (Jackie) of Okolona and Robin Lynn Nilsson of Arkadelphia, seventeen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, sister in law, Judy McCauley, of Okolona and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday July 14, 2026, at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia with Bro. Charlie Williams officiating. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time. 

Interment will be at Smyrna cemetery in Okolona. 

Special thanks to his daughter, Robin, and grandson, Scott, for their loving care that allowed him to enjoy his last years in his home. Also, special thanks to Gay, Tristan, Stephanie, Darlene and the rest of the staff of Gentiva Hospice for providing excellent service and loving care.

Memorials may be made to Smyrna Cemetery Fund, c/o Vonnie Smith, 1369 Davidson Campground Rd, Okolona, AR 71962. 

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.netto sign the guest book and view the memorial tribute.