Johnny Ray Baty, 67, of Newport departed this life on Sunday, July 10, 2022. He was born May 26, 1955, to Rufus Ray and Juanita Lucille (West) Baty.
Johnny attended Newport Pentecostal Church. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them; he especially enjoyed family gatherings during the holidays. He loved fishing and was well known for catching flathead on the Black and Cache Rivers. He was also quite the hunter and enjoyed hunting all kinds of game. He had a kind heart and was always trying to help people, he volunteered at the food bank when his health allowed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Sara Baty; his brothers, Ronnie Baty, Donnie Baty, and Roger Baty; his sisters, Shirley Whaley and Betty Lou Dodson.
He is survived by his wife Sharon Baty, of the home; his daughters, Melissa Benskin (Richard) of Newport and Lindsey Jackson (Aaron) of Newport; his sons, William Baty of Jonesboro, Shane Baty (Cheri) of Newport, and Justin King (Branda) of Newport; his brother, Kenny Baty of Newport and his sister, Faye Reid (Johnny) of Searcy; special friends, J.W. Joslin and Martin Neldon; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Anthony Dilday, Mark Howard, James Paul Baty, Geoff Hayes, Eric Hayes and Aaron Jackson. Honorary pallbearer is Richard Benskin.
The service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Dillinger Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 until service time. Interment will be at Watson Cemetery.
