Joseph Edward Machycek, 60, of Mabelvale died unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 17 of a suspected heart attack while working in Hot Springs.

He was born on Nov. 1, 1962 in Little Rock, graduated from McClellan High School in 1981 and raised two children, Jobey and Tiphanie, with his ex-wife, Tina.

He was an incredibly hard worker, running a one-man roofing and remodeling business for more than 26 years, often starting before dawn and finishing after sundown. His reputation for attention to detail, reliability and honesty attracted a steady stream of loyal customers, many of whom became his friends.

Most of all, Joe had a heart of gold. He was a good man to his core, and he loved to laugh and joke. His sparkly blue eyes and ready smile were like a ray of sunshine to anyone – human or animal – who crossed his path. He had an uncanny knack for spotting a soul in need and going out of his way to help, whether it be offering a ride to people he saw struggling along the road and slipping them cash or rescuing homeless cats and dogs, getting them sterilized and vaccinated, and finding them homes.

He loved watching the Razorbacks, attending sprint car races across the country, gardening, fishing and camping with his dad and brother, preparing multi-course meals, baking his famous Cashaw pumpkin pies, making muscadine wine, playing the slots, and just hanging out with his family and his girlfriend. He had a soft heart, often crying over movies, TV shows and even commercials.

Joe is predeceased by his son, Jobey. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Bridgeman; his father, John Machycek (Lawanna); his daughter, Tiphanie (Brandon Rich); grandchildren Tessa, Matthew ‘Bo’ and Jasmine; siblings Pattie and Johnny Machycek, Bobby and Cheryle Horton, and Wayne and Shannon Bridgeman; his girlfriend, Linda Satter; his beloved cats; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and a ton of friends he considered family.