OLL JAMES "O.J" FRIEND

O.J. Friend, 69, of Gainesville, MO, passed away April 4, 2016 at Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mountain Home, AR. He was born on February 8, 1947 in Gainesville, MO, the son of Efton and Juanita (Murrill) Friend.

O. J. was a life-long resident of Ozark County. He made his living as a heavy equipment operator, working several years for the Ozark County Road & Bridge Department as a motor grader operator before his retirement. But his family knew him best as an easy going, kind hearted gentleman who would do anything for anyone. His daughter wrote these words about him the day he passed: "This man we called Daddy and Papa O.J., all the rest may know him as OJ, Oll, or Ollie. He passed away today. He taught each of us we must work to have a future and how to survive this ole world. He was a man of many talents, he could run any equipment, and take care any animal, he had a special way with animals especially cattle and horses and he was always willing to help his friends and neighbors. He loved to ride, coon hunt, deer hunt and fish. He loved his grandkids like no tomorrow. He is going to be dearly missed by many. We loved him more than words could ever express."
O.J. was a Christian and member of the Brushy Knob General Baptist Church. He was baptized by his son, Davin, on September 2, 2012 at Hodgson Mill.

O.J. is survived by his children: Sheri Friend of Mansfield, MO, Angie Brake, Davin Friend and wife Kasey and Sarah Friend all of Gainesville, MO; six grandchildren: Jordan Brake, Logan and Gentry Alsup, Cooper and Hudsyn Friend, and Dani Friend; his siblings: Betty Garfit, Nettie Sue Hogan, Becky Boyd, Charlie Friend and Wilma Pendergrass; and his special friends Mary Lee Adamson and Dr. Daniel Valach, Angela Blasdel and their son John Michael Valach.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Eva Friend, Mary Bates, Lawrence Friend and Benny Friend.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church with his son Davin Friend and Jimmy Kyle officiating. Burial will be in the Lilly Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, April 6th from 5-7 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to help with funeral expenses. Arrangements are under the care of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.