Noel Baldridge

Noel Baldridge, 89, of Batesville, was born on February 14, 1936, in Caraway, Arkansas, to Otis Lee Baldridge and Carrie Smith Baldridge.  He departed this life on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Noel graduated from Caraway High School and obtained a Bachelor of Education Degree from Arkansas College (Lyon College) in Batesville.  While attending both high school and college he played basketball.  

Although Noel obtained an English degree during college, his love for law enforcement inspired him to fulfill many years of dedication in service to our country, state, and local entities. He retired from North Arkansas Central Unit of Arkansas Department of Corrections in Calico Rock, after twelve years as a parole officer. Many years before he would serve with Newport City Police, Sheriff for Independence County and as an Arkansas State Trooper.  He also worked as a safety officer with JMI Transport. 

Noel served our country in the United States Army and was a member of the Desha Church of Christ. 

Noel was a unique story teller and his family can relay many stories he would tell them through the years.  One was his offer to be head coach of the All American Redhead Basketball Team which he turned down and was later heard to say “I might should have taken that”. Noel loved being outdoors and target shooting.  He also loved to roller skate.

He and Joyce Grady were married on September 7, 1962, in Newport, and enjoyed over sixty-one years of marriage until her death in 2023.

Left to cherish his memory is his son, Bryce (Amber) Baldridge, of Jonesboro; his daughter, Britney Baldridge, of Batesville; his sister, Pat Fielder; his grandchildren, Easton Baldridge, Ellie Kate Baldridge, Grayson Carter, and John Alan Carter; numerous nieces; nephews; and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brother, Doc Baldridge; sisters, Nathalie Frazier, Barbara Knight, and Susie Cook.

A Celebration of Noel’s life will be on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:00.at the Southside Church of Christ with Ted Knight officiating. 

A time of visitation will begin at 2:00 and continue until service time.