Buddy Halsell

Buddy Halsell, 88, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018 at his home.

Buddy was born in Blytheville to James Ernest and Tina Mae (Lyon) Halsell. He was the owner and operator of The Dixie Pig and a member of First Presbyterian Church. Buddy served his country with honor in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and also served in the National Guard. He was a former member of the Blytheville Jaycees. Buddy was a strong supporter of the Blytheville High School football team, often chartering buses and feeding the team at The Dixie Pig before games. Buddy was very dedicated to his business, The Dixie Pig. His family has been in the barbeque business since the 1920s, which was started by his father, Ernest. The Dixie Pig is nationally known for their barbeque. People travel to Blytheville from all over the country just to eat Buddy’s famous barbeque. Buddy has been featured in numerous television interviews and articles written in many local and national publications for his barbeque. The Dixie Pig has been nominated for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. Buddy was a patriotic, God fearing man who was dedicated to his family and friends. He loved to duck and bird hunt and crappie fish. He was very charismatic, and known for his playfulness and sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jim Halsell; his parents; and three siblings, Melvin Halsell, Roy Halsell and Annie Lee Scrape.

Buddy leaves his wife, Wanda Halsell of the home; three children, Bob Halsell of Blytheville, Becky Westbrook and her husband Jesse of Blytheville and Bud Halsell of Blytheville; one brother, Johnny Halsell of Conway; one sister, Ernestine Stewart of Marietta, Georgia; four grandchildren, Litt Westbrook of Austin, Texas, Whitney Hill and her husband Wade of Dumas, Arkansas, Mallory Halsell of Blytheville and Anna Lea Halsell of Gosnell; and three great-grandchildren, Kellso Halsell, Kobe Halsell and Woods Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 1st at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Mr. Randy Jumper and Rev. Mike Wey officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the First Presbyterian Church, The Kidney Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.