of Damascus, AR
June 24, 1944 - February 5, 2023
Leon ''L. B.'' Pavatt, went home to be with the Lord on February 5th, 2023 while at home surrounded by his friends and family. L.B. was born in Damascus, Arkansas on June 24, 1944 to the late Leonard Byron and Ruby (Lee) Pavatt, whom he is preceded in death by. He is survived by his two older sisters, Imogene Graddy of Memphis Tennessee and Norma (Carl) Dodson of White Hall Arkansas. He is also survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane (Hall) Pavatt and their 3 children, Jason (Gina) Pavatt, Jared (Krista) Pavatt and Jill (Drew) Thomas. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Madisyn (Daniel) Strain, Lauryn Swaffar, Cayden Pavatt, Austin (Kennedy), Kailyn, Muluken (Kayla), Gifte, Tristyn, Brityn, Ian Pavatt, Ashton, Kayleigh Thomas and Cameron Washam and also 3 great grandchildren, John Strain, Preston and Taygen Pavatt.
L.B. was a high school science teacher of 40 years, starting his career at Augusta schools and retiring from Southside Bee Branch. Mr. Pavatt was dedicated to teaching his students about science and he was greatly loved by his students. L.B. loved to shake hands, which is why he enjoyed being the Mayor of Damascus for so many years. During the summer you could always catch L.B. on a riding lawnmower on someone's lawn in town. Despite his love for teaching and mowing yards, his greatest passion was being the Mayor of the little town he cared for so much. You could never escape a handshake and if you spoke to him, he probably did not hear you, but would smile and nod his head. He was a great man who was loved and respected by many. He left behind a legacy that will carry on for generations to come and he will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation services will be at Roller McNutt in Greenbrier Thursday, February 9th from 6-8 and funeral services will be held at Damascus First Baptist Church Friday, February 10th at 10:00 am.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Damascus or The Station in Damascus.
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62 Condolence(s)
James Murray
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Mr. Pavatt was my Neighbor, science teacher, and buss driver for many years.. altho I have not seen him for many years I can remember him like it was yesterday. No, we didn't always see eye to eye on alot but I was and am forever greatfull to have been one of his many students. Sending love to Mrs. Pavatt and the rest of their family at this time. God bless 🙌 🙠â¤ï¸
Michelle Bogard (squeek)
Friday, February 17, 2023
My sweet bus driver for 10 years. He was such a nice and sweet man. My prayers are with the family.
Sandra Smith Ramirez
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
My condolences to the family. I grew up in Bee Branch and attended South Side High during the late 70’s. Mr. Pavatt was and will always be my most beloved teacher. He will be greatly missed. Praying for your family.
Lori Brock
Friday, February 10, 2023
Diane and family we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Pavatt holds a special place in our family's heart. Erica always thought so much of him and he was a great impact on her. We are saying prayers for you and your family for the peace of the Lord to rest upon you all. Love you all.
Robert Hartsfield
Friday, February 10, 2023
Will miss seeing our nieghbor The Mayor prayers for the family
Eddie Force
Thursday, February 9, 2023
My condolences to Diane and the Family for the loss of a Husband, Father, Grandfather and GreatGrand Father. Just remember that we will all be together with our Heavenly Father and His Son and our Savior Jesus Christ for all Eternity. Rest in Peace L B..
Kailey Steed
Thursday, February 9, 2023
I am so sorry for your family. I’m proud to have met Leon and you, Mrs. Diane. Thank you for allowing me to be a tiny bit of the story.
George and Sandra Odom
Thursday, February 9, 2023
We were sorry to hear this. We saw him at several funerals throughout the years. That shows respect for others.
Julie Ward Carmichael and Weatherman Al
Thursday, February 9, 2023
So very sorry for your loss, I had the honor of having Mr. and Mrs. Pavatt as my teachers in school. You both had a profound impact on my life through school and church. Diane, Jason, Jared and Jill, we are holding you up in our prayers asking God to comfort you as only He can.
Much love and hugs
Lance Rogers
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Sending my love and condolences to all of you. Diane, Jason, Jared, & Jill, I'm so very, very sorry to hear about LB's passing and my heart just breaks for all of you. I have many precious memories that were made while growing up with our family's both living next door to each other, and with going through all of the school years with LB & yourself, Diane, both being teachers up at school, and then also with LB driving the bus route that I rode to and from school for so many of those years when I was younger, and then there's no telling just how many miles Jason and I actually put on those "three wheelers" over all of those years of us riding them.
Just know, I'm thinking of all of you, and I love all of you very much, and again, I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Samantha (Burroughs) Pike
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
He will be so dearly missed by all who knew him! Prayers to Mrs Pavatt and the kids.
Larry Chris Valentine
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
I am sorry to hear of the passing of this great man and teacher. I have several good memories with him. Rest in peace and prayers to your family
Bob and Linda Collard
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Diane and family, may God bless and comfort you during this time as only He can.
LB touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed.
God bless you, prayers lifted.
James & Debbie Shofner
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person. Loving prayers for you and your family.
Nancy (Rowe) Cummings
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Pavatt. He was a great teacher, I really learned a lot from his Science class. Rest in Heaven. 🕊ï¸ðŸ•Šï¸ðŸ•Šï¸ðŸ™
Mary Comstock Hutchcroft
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher, father and friend to my children. Keyvin spent many nights at his home. He will be missed.
Ed and Jenny Roller
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Me. Pavatt was one of the teachers that really sparked my interest as I am sure he did so many others. Our prayers are with the family.
Connie Cauley Spiller
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Diane & family, Y'all have lost a treasure from your family. He was a good man, a great teacher, & a friend to to all who would accept his friendship. You kids had a great example & a great map to follow. Treasure your memories, allow the feelings of those warm hugs to flow over you, & be assured he is at the feet of Jesus. God Bless You All! Love in Christ!,
Angela Burdick (Pettry)
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Please know that you are all loved by so many. I remember having Ms. Pavatt as a teacher in grade school and had Mr. Pavatt in high school. I always loved how he would get us all involved with a project, but I would also hope that he wouldn't call my name to answer a question, because I wasn't always paying attention. 😠My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen Ragan Davis
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Thoughts & prayers go out to you Diane & family ! Hugs & Love go out to you !
Jeff Stafford
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I visited with him at town about a year or so and told him a memory that I remember especially, 1 day in his science class he told Alan Mahan and the rest of us ,If you can't baffle people with your brilliance than just baffle them with bull crap. Lol. Also 1 day he told us he was supposed to teach us evolution, he said that's MALARCKY !! WE didn't come from apes and he wasn't going to teach it. I loved his class and will miss him.
Stacy Dickson
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I am very saddened to hear about this. I was blessed to have him as a teacher in high school. I always enjoyed his knowledge and humor. He was definitely a good example to anyone who knew him. Hardworking, dedicated, loyal and a joy to be around. My deepest sympathy to the family. You all are in my prayers for sure.
Josie Sumner
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I am saddened to hear about Mr. Pavatt, He was a very sweet man. One of my favorite teachers. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Diane Ward
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers!
Joe and Diane Ward
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers!
Joe & Diane Ward
Leah ( Williams ) compton
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
My thoughts & prayers are with you all
Smitty Bonds
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
LB was a good friend, someon who I had a lot of respect for, so sorry prayers
Ann Eades Roberson
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I loved all my science classes with Mr. Pavatt and they served me well when I went to UCA to study nursing. He had a great sense of humor. My sympathies to the family.
Brenda Holland Brown
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
What a great teacher he was. Love going too his biology class. Prayers for the family.
Johnny and Shrea
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Diane, so sorry to hear of your loss. Many years have passed since our days at South Side, but memories of friends like you and Bo remain. You and Bo had many good years together and had a great family. I know you will Cherish those memories. God BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY and may you find comfort and peace knowing he is no longer suffering and he is with the Lord and Savior.
Robert A Walker
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Mr. Pavatt was one of the best and most inspiring teachers I ever had at any level: high school, college, and graduate school. He was a tremendous asset to me and all his students. He will be greatly missed.
Ray Hurt
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Sorry for y’all’s loss prayers for you all
Kristy Johnson
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. LB was a great man and he was loved by so many.
Kristy, Kelsea, Jarred & Jordan
James & Donna Berry
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
We're so sorry for your loss. Out hearts are with you & your family. Praying for God to give you comfort, peace, & wrap His arms around all of your family.
Debra Bradford Mcdoniel
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Diane and Family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have not seen him in years but remember when you guys was our sponsors at our senior trip. He was a great teacher and a really good person. God bless you during these difficult days.ðŸ™ðŸ™
Janis Hensley
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Prayers for your family!
Carol (Harmon) Raines
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Mr. Pavatt was always one of my favorite teachers. One of my favorite memories was when he showed us an ultrasound and told us he was going to have a little girl. That was the first time I’d ever seen anything like that. He was always very interesting and fun to be around. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Keith and Robin Hensley
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Diane and family, GOD bless and keep you. Love you.
Phyllis Tumblson McMillen
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Diane and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. He was my favorite high school teacher. I will miss talking to him in Damascus somewhere he was always around
Susan and Tommy Stacks
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
So much to say about this great man! He was a teacher to me and Tommy and all of our children. We all respected and appreciated the teacher and man that he was. Every time me or Lori saw him we would get a big hug which we loved getting. He was bigger than life, and we, plus our little town of Damascus will truly miss him! Our prayers to Diane and his children and family
William Hinds
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
A fine man and friend.
Lisa (Hall) Holt
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Oh the memories... Diane was my 2nd grade teacher (who came to see me in the hospital knowing she didn't have to, after I had a tonsilectomy in 1972), Mr. Pavatt was our bus driver for most, if not all of my 12yrs at SSHS (todays kids would have a better attitude IF he was still driving school buses). When he said sit down, he meant it the first time! Saying he was a great teacher and leader just doesn't seem to describe this man; however, sometimes there aren't words. LB was very special to me and my family for a number of reasons and we will continue to pray for comfort for you all. With all my love, (Lane & Joyce's) Lisa (Hall) Holt
Renae Nelson
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I have so many great memories my first few years of teaching with Mr. Pravatt. He was always so helpful and kind to me. I enjoy my time at Bee Branch listening to all his stories. Prayers for you and your family.
Maxine Stell
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I enjoyed going to school with L.B., he was my escort when we were ushers for graduation when we were junior's. My sincere sympathy to you and your family Diane.
Bonnie newton
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Prayers for the peace that only God can give for this family . Thank you for the life he lived .
Gayla Glover Mount
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
What a great teacher he was-one of the best. He made science/biology interesting. I learned a lot in his classroom. Praying for you all. I know he will be missed, but it is only for a season.
Darcy Hogan
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Sending love to y’all. Praying for God to give you comfort and peace. Mr. Pavatt will be sorely missed. He was a great man and incredible teacher.
Steve and Kristin Linn
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was one of my favorite teachers in high school.
Freddy Williams & Kay Williams
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Diane and Family! L.B. (Bo) was a fine human being! Kay and I we saddened to hear of his passing. We know Bo is in a better place and not hurting any more! He was such a good person for Damascus, as Mayor, he loved his family, friends and the town of Damascus. We pray for God's comfort for his family. He was a good friend to all. "Go rest high on the mountain Bo"!!!!!
Les Smith
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Dear Diane and Family
We are so very sorry to hear this. Y’all are in our thoughts prayers. He was a wonderful Godly man. He meant a lot to us. We appreciate the years he mowed the yard and the sweet visit. He lived what he believed. Amazing teacher but most of all a Godly Friend.
We Love Y’all.
Les and Kathryn Smith
♥ï¸â™¥ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Michael Burdin
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Prayers for the family and friends of a great man. One of my all time favorite people. Loved to talk with him. The more I got to know him the more I liked him. Will miss him but will see him again in heaven. Rest well my friend.
Don and Raye Jean Linn
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.
Jerry & Janis Robbins
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Love, prayers and support for all of you, Jerry & I are so sorry for your loss. He was a great man!
Linda Dollar
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Diane and family, my love and prayers go out to all of you in the loss of L.B. He was a wonderful friend to Gary and shared such comforting words with me when I lost Gary. Gary and I loved to hear him pray in Church! May God comfort you as only He can.
Krista Farmer Bell
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
This man meant so much to me he keep me save on the bus my from my first day of school to the last and always had a hug and a smile for me every time I seen him after I graduated I'm so glad my daughter got to meet him and know him I love yall much and he will truly be missed I'm praying for u all
Barrett and Andrea Buck
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Mrs. Pavatt and all the family,
It's sad to hear of Mr. Pavatt's passing, but we all know that he is with the Lord and rejoicing with Him in Heaven right now.
I have great memories of Mr. Pavatt! He was good to me the whole time throughout high school and then during the years that followed when I helped out at the school with the baseball team. There were many times I'd either try to fall asleep or actually did fall asleep during my junior and senior years of high school. When he decided to retire from teaching, he handed the keys off of his bus for me to drive his route and finish the year out for him.
Will be praying for you all in the days ahead!
Barrett, Andrea, Andrew, Noah, Jonah, and Micah Buck
Keith Hines
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Always had a smile for me. You will be missed.
Linda Dingley
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I remember the first Sunday we met in church . He took my hand and warmly welcomed me to his church. Sometimes it’s just the little things that give us the most pleasures in life with the best of memories and he had a pocket full of these little gestures to share with all! He will be greatly missed.
Charlsie Castleberry McBride
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
So sorry for your loss. With our prayers and sympathy.
David & Leslie Shofner
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Our thoughts & prayers for Diane, Jason, Jared, Jill & the whole family.
Sonya Griffith Lincoln
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. Mr. Pavatt had a profound effect on my life. He was my favorite teacher and the reason I loved science and became a clinical laboratory scientist. Praying for you, Diane, your children and all the family.
Laura Linn
Monday, February 6, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!! The world has lost a good man! I always thought s lot of Mr. Pavatt. It was a joy to have worked with him. Love all of you!!!!