John Patrick Failla born August 29, 1925, to Emily Papili Failla and Sam Failla, Sr. passed away on January 18, 2023, at Conway Healthcare and Rehab in Conway AR. John was preceded in death by his siblings Mary Kay McLean, Sam Failla, Jr., Francis J. Failla, Beatrice Taylor Merrit, and William Edward Failla, a niece Patricia E. McLean, and nephew Richard Taylor, Jr., and two great nieces Emily and Lauren Failla, and his nephew in law E.R. Sonny Haynes.
John was a friend and caregiver to many around the Gould, Arkansas area. John Failla was of the Catholic faith and was a charter member of Holy Child Church in Dumas, Ar. Mr. Failla attended Gould High School when his family moved to Gould during the depression in 1936. He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s in Agriculture and English. John joined the Army paratroops in WWII. John was a truck patch farmer along with his brother Sam in the 1950’s raising sweet potatoes and bell peppers. He then taught at Gould High School in the 1960’s and 1970’s teaching Agriculture/Shop and Chemistry. Upon his retirement from Gould High School, he went into business with his brother Sam Failla, Jr. managing the produce department at the family grocery store, as well as caring for his mother. Mr. Failla served on the Gould City Council and was instrumental in upgrading the city’s water system. Mr. Failla along with his brother received the Lincoln County Outstanding Citizen award in 2005. He was also presented with outstanding teacher by the Gould School Class of 1974.
Mr. John Failla is survived by his caregivers/nieces Katie Failla Haynes and Teresa Failla Hill, as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews and many cousins and friends.
A memorial rosary and mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 College Ave, in Conway AR at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday February 25, 2023. The Committal service will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff AR on February 25, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital501 St. Jude PlaceMemphis, TN 38105
The family would like to thank the staff of Conway Healthcare and Rehab for the excellent care Mr. Failla received. Arrangements made by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas. Please sign online register book at griffinfh.com
