February 20, 2002 - December 20, 2024
The untimely passing of 22-year-old Joshua Hynum has left so many friends, family and co-workers bereft. Joshua was born on February 20, 2002 in Sherwood, AR and passed away on December 20, 2024 in Searcy, AR.
Joshua loved spending time outdoors hunting, camping, hiking, kayaking and to say he was an accomplished fisherman would not do him justice. He was passionate about fishing and fished many areas in Mississippi and Arkansas. Joshua was most fond of fishing below the dam at Greers Ferry Lake on the Little Red River. He loved to share his catches, spend time with others teaching them to fish and just hang out throwing the line in the river, often while listening to his favorite artist, Lana Del Rey.
Joshua was a caring son, brother, uncle and friend who loved his friends openly and deeply with his whole heart and his family deeper still, always looking out for others. He and his brother, Jacob were especially close, being just a year apart in age. They were not only brothers, but best friends. Joshua and Jacob's abilities and personalities complemented one another and made them a truly dynamic pair.
An avid reader and talented writer who loved to learn, Joshua excelled at Brandon and Benton High Schools both academically and in extracurricular activities, participating as a member of the Beta Club, Tech Team, JROTC and cross-country team and graduating with honors in 2020. He continued his education at the University of Central Arkansas and University of Arkansas at Little Rock working hard to achieve his goal to become a legal professional. His pursuit was cut short by his tragic demise.
To support himself while working towards his degree, Joshua began working for Texas Roadhouse in Benton during high school in 2018. He started as a busboy, working his way up to key manager and eventually became kitchen manager of the Texas Roadhouse in Searcy in 2023. Joshua was passionate about the work he did and the team and communities he served during his career as a Roadie. His co-workers at Texas Roadhouse knew him as a hard worker with a heart of excellence. He loved his employees and coworkers and they loved him. His joyful spirit was contagious, and many referred to him as a work son or work brother.
Joshua's closest friends described him as the most outgoing, very goofy and always honest no matter what they were up to. He could often be found shooting hoops with buddies in the neighborhood church parking lot. His family knew him as the uncle and brother that all of the kids loved and he loved them fiercely in return, always making time to play with them. His younger siblings affectionately nicknamed him JahJah. Joshua could always light up any room, everyone knew when Joshua was present. His smile and laughter were infectious. While he will be deeply missed, Joshua definitely left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Joshua is survived by his loving parents; his mother, Crystal ''Dawn'' Colyer and her husband, Derrick ''Kelly'' of Bryant, AR; his father, Jason Stewart Hynum and his wife, Rhonda of Brandon, MS; his closest companion in life, his brother, Jacob; his siblings, Elizabeth ''Bebe'' Welborn and her husband, Jason, Rebekah Carlton and her husband, Tyler, Jonathon Hernandez, Daniel Colyer and Addie Colyer; bonus siblings, Justin Hill (Deana), Chelsae Reid (Sanders), Jennifer Salem (Mostafa), Katy Stringer (Chris) and Elizabeth and Jay Colyer; his grandparents, Gage and Janet Hynum and Gene and Susan Eller; 17 nieces and nephews and a whole host of uncles, aunts and cousins from Arkansas and Mississippi. He is preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Hynum and grandmother, Eugenia Hynum.
Visitation and services will be held on December 27, 2024. Church services will be held at Second Baptist at 222 East 8Th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. Public visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the memorial service beginning at noon, officiated by Pastor Troy Costanza. Joshua will be laid to rest in an area near the Little Red River which is where he often found solace and peace. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Good Springs Cemetery at 330 Good Springs Rd., Heber Springs, Arkansas and officiated by Pastor Nat Barnett.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Bond, Zach Hardister, Sam Bettis, Jose Simon, Jason Welborn, Tyler Carlton, Sanders Reid and Michael Gober. Honorary pallbearers will be Loftin Welborn and Travis Brandt Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Joshua to the Mayfly Project.
Thank you for all the laughs and smiles you’ve brought. I will cherish all of the wise conversations we had. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
Josh was a good friend of mine from his Brandon High School days. We served on the Brandon Tech Team together, and his positive attitude was always appreciated. Josh, you will be missed for sure.
My prayers are with all of you My heart breaks for y'all
My thoughts and my prayers are with you all. I am so very sorry to hear this news! I remember Josh as a funny kid who loved making others laugh and was always wrestling with his brother at NLCF.
A very GOOD young man.
He will be missed.
Love and Prayers
In memory of Josh , our family has made a donation to the Mayfly Foundation. Our condolences and prayers are with the family. The John Simpson family
Josh was truly one of the kindest people I’ve had a chance to meet while working at Texas Roadhouse. He always knew what to say to get a smile out of somebody. I’m gonna miss our conversations, his laugh, and most importantly him asking me if he could grab a few cherries from the bar for his sister to eat when his family would come in for dinner. My condolences go out to his family and everyone else that he left a mark on in his life
My prayers and love are with you and your family Dawn. Praying peace and Joy for you all.
You are loved by so many, Josh! I am thankful I got to know you while spending time at the Bond’s house and working with you at Texas Roadhouse. I got to see how bright you truly lit up every room and made the best out of every situation. You will be missed! - The Willises
Josh was a caring soul that always put the needs of others above himself. A hard worker that lead by example. He will be missed and always remembered.
All of the love to you, sweet Joshua. I was lucky to have worked alongside you for six years and blossom a friendship that will never be taken for granted or forgotten. We both grew so much together in our time working, and I have you to thank for that. I hope to someday be half the person you were. Thank you for being such a kind, considerate, caring person. You were such a good example of friendship, humanity, and love. I will always cherish the memories we shared and will forever miss our late night talks at work. I wish nothing but love and comfort for your family as they navigate through this difficult time.
As a truck driver gone a lot only afforded me 4 moments we shared in person that I will never forget. I cried for hours this hurt so deeply. I am pleased to learn of all he accomplished and about all those that he had inspired. Uncle Jonah
My heart broke when I saw the post... May God surround your family with peace and comfort. I remember him during children's church always eager to help... his joy and was contagious...my thoughts are with you and family.
Our deepest condelences. We love y’all so very much!
To all of the family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love the Ainsworth Family.
Sweet Joshua was one of a kind. Always offering a smile. I have often admired how he loved out loud. Such a fun spirit about him, a loving, gentle soul. Truly, he made the world a better place.
Josh was a compassionate soul. Always giving me advice or teaching me useful skills. Josh was teaching me Spanish. He will be missed dearly. My sincerest condolences to the whole family and everyone whose lives he had graced.
I loved Josh he was an awesome friend to have. My thoughts and prayers for your family.
Joshua you were a light. And you will remain a light in so many hearts including mine, my friend. It’s amazing how quickly you became a friend to me and I know I’m only one of several that found you so easy to talk to. Your memory will remain alive at Roadhouse. You will be missed, my friend. Don’t catch ‘em all up there, leave some for the rest of us when we get there.
Sending your family all the love and strength I have.
Dawn, my heart aches for you. I remember Joshua as a little kid when we worked on the ACS Relay for Life. May God give you comfort!
Prayers ,
Linda Gordon
Brandon, MS
My heart goes out to you all.
Much love,
Forever your friend,
Michelle
My heart is broken into a million pieces. You were not ony my manager but my family. My grandson from my extended family. I will always remember you. My thoughts and prayers for your family