Albert Joseph “A.J.” Bandy

Albert Joseph “A.J.” Bandy, 88, of Leachville, passed from this life Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at the Lakeside Nursing Center in Lake City. Born in Bay to the late Albert and Audrey Bibbs Bandy, he was a 1955 graduate of Leachville High School and later served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960. He worked several years for the former Brown Shoe Company of Leachville and was later employed by the Arkansas Employment Security Division as a staffing specialist. A.J. was a well-known, long time area basketball referee having called games throughout northeast Arkansas and was later inducted into the Arkansas Officials Association Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Leachville First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Doris Wilson Bandy, and a grandson, Zachary Bandy.

Survivors include two sons, Randy Bandy (Stephanie) of Leachville and Miles Bandy (Angie) of Bono; two grandsons, Casey Bandy and Cameron Bandy; and two great-granddaughters, Adalynn and Alayna. He also leaves one brother, Rick Bandy (Brenda) of Lake City.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Pastor David Price officiating. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Thursday evening from 6-8 at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.