Billy D. Paden

Billy D. Paden, 80, of Jonesboro, died Monday, June 2, 2014, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.


Born in Booneville, Mississippi, Billy lived in Memphis before moving to Bay in 1988 and then to Jonesboro in 1998. Billy was a professional truck driver and drove for the Dial Corporation for 28 years and was recognized for driving over 3 million accident-free miles.


Billy served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957 honorably discharged as a PFC . He was a member of the Valley View Church of Christ and a member of the American Legion, and enjoyed working in his yard and was active in church activities. Billy was preceded in death by his parents: Ervin, Sr and Thelma Brown Paden; a brother, Ervin Lindsey Paden, Jr., a step daughter, Shelia Layne Nelson and a grandson, Colton Layne.


Survivors include his wife, Peggy Latham Paden of the home;

1 daughter, Coleen (Scott) Sumner of Rossville, Tennessee;

3 sons: Larry (Kristy) Paden of Collierville, Tennessee, Jeffrey (Regina) Paden of Helotes, Texas, and Christopher Paden of Memphis;

1 stepson, Rusty (Miche) Layne of Pensacola, Florida;

1 brother, Jerry Paden ( Evelyn) of Galloway, Tennessee;

14 grandchildren, and
7 great grandchildren.


Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Valley View Church of Christ with Kerry Williams and Allen Ashlock officiating. Burial will follow in Herndon Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.


Elders of the Valley View Church of Christ will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Max Reynolds, David Gibson, Mike Noles, Rick White with current and retired drivers for Dial Corporation.


Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.


For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the Paragould Childrens Home, Disabled American Veterans or Valley View Church of Christ Building Fund.