Grady Don "Don" Starr

Grady Don "Don" Starr, 85, of Conway, Arkansas, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2026. Born March 17, 1941, in Romance, Arkansas, Don was the son of Grady George Moses Starr and Pauline (Watson) Starr.

Although his given name was Grady, he was known to everyone as Don, and that is how he would want to be remembered.

Don grew up in Beebe, Arkansas, but childhood was never confined to one place. His father worked in the pipeline industry, so the Starr family lived in several parts of the country. Those early years helped give Don the curiosity, adaptability, and love of people that stayed with him throughout his life.

Don spent nearly 50 years as a welding supply salesman, a career that suited him perfectly. He loved people, he loved to talk, and he was genuinely interested in just about everyone he encountered. Don never met a stranger. Whether he was at church, in a store, on the road, or simply standing around somewhere, there was a good chance he would strike up a conversation with whoever happened to be nearby. And if you had the time, you were probably going to hear a story.

Don was a natural storyteller. He could turn an ordinary encounter into a memorable tale, and many of the stories he told became part of the family lore. He had a gift for making connections with people and making just about anyone feel like an old friend.

But of all the people Don loved, none held a place in his heart quite like his wife, Linda. He adored her and proudly let everyone know it. He affectionately called her "Babe," and it was not unusual for Don to tell anyone who would listen just how beautiful his wife was. After a lifetime together, his admiration for Linda never seemed to fade. She was his beloved wife, his partner, and one of the great joys of his life.

Don also shared a deep and special bond with his only son, Don. He was a devoted father who always wanted to take care of his son. He would often tell him, "If you need something for this or that, go get it. I'll pay for it." That was Don's way of loving. He wanted his son to know that he was there for him and that he would gladly help whenever he could. Father and son talked every day, and some of their best times were simply spent getting in the car and going for a drive together. There did not have to be a destination. The time together was the important part.

Faith was at the heart of Don's life and his family. He was involved in church throughout his life and, in later years, served as a greeter at Fellowship Bible Church in Conway. He loved welcoming people and being part of the church community. Don's family takes comfort in knowing that the faith he lived and cherished throughout his life has now become sight, and that he is in the presence of heaven.

Don also had a strong commitment to serving his community. He was a member of the first Faulkner County Sheriff's Reserve class and later served as its commander. He also served several terms as Cadron Township Constable. For Don, serving his community was not simply a title. It was another way of being involved with people and making a contribution to the place he called home.

Don had a lifelong appreciation for the art of the deal. He loved to buy, sell, trade, and barter, and he was an enthusiastic collector of knives and what he affectionately called his "treasures." If something caught his eye, there was a good chance Don could find a way to acquire it, trade for it, or make a deal that nobody else had thought of. And, naturally, there was usually a story that went along with it.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Lee (Strayhorn) Starr; his son, Don M. Starr; his brother, Mike Starr; his sister, Sonia, and her husband Tom Spigner; his sister-in-law Suzy Starr; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Starr, and sister-in-law Janie Starr.

Don also leaves behind some very important members of the family who happened to have four legs: his dogs, Sadie and Camper, and his grand-dog, Bronson.

He would probably be disappointed if his obituary were too serious. So rather than saying goodbye with sadness alone, his family chooses to celebrate the life of a man who never met a stranger, always had a story to tell, never missed an opportunity for a good conversation or a good deal, and never hesitated to tell the world how beautiful his "Babe" was.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now home, in the presence of his Lord, and that the faith, love, laughter, and stories he shared will continue through those he left behind.

A private family graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2026, at Beebe Cemetery, with a family gathering following the service at the Beebe First Christian Church. A public Celebration of Life will be Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 1051 Hogan Lane, in Conway. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com