John Timothy Palsa, (known to all as Tim, and to his girls as Big Daddy) age 86, of Carlisle, passed away Tuesday March 31, 2026. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Carlisle and a 32nd Degree Mason; Lifetime Member in Dumas and a Shriner. He was preceded in death by his son John Leslie Palsa, his parents John Edward Palsa and Carra Palsa Mitchell, his sister Joy Palsa Mason and brother-in-law Wm. A. Mason, Jr., and his brother James Edward Palsa. Tim was born January 27, 1940 in Carlisle, Arkansas. He graduated from Dumas High School and attended A&M at Monticello (now UAM) on a football scholarship before he was activated into the Army during the Berlin Crisis. Upon his return, instead of finishing his last year of college he pursued one of the two loves of his life. One was farming and that December of 1962 he finally convinced the greatest love of his life to marry him, Sue. Nine years later (and anyone who knows him would attest to this) his new favorite person would make her grand entrance into this world, his daughter, Melanie. Almost ten years later, his partner in crime, who would make every footstep he made as a steward of the land joined his family, his son John Leslie. He started his farming career in Desha County with his dad and brother Jim. Tim was a lifelong and faithful steward of the land, farming first in the Delta of Dumas where he was known for his exceptional rice crops, along with cotton and soybeans and later in Carlisle where he farmed rice, soybeans and wheat. He instilled in his family the value that “they aren’t making any more land” so take care of it. Tim never met a stranger, would give you the shirt off his back, loved to travel worldwide, loved a good equipment auction, classic cars, flying one of his many airplanes, driving a motorcycle, parachuting, and making his family happy. He was especially proud of his three beautiful granddaughters. One of his favorite sayings was “I always get the last word in with Miss Sue! I say, “Yes ma’am!”
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue Palsa, his daughter Melanie Palsa of Carlisle, his three granddaughters, Madeleine Palsa Dilley (Allen) of Olive Branch, MS, Olivia and Nina Catherine Brown of Starkville, MS, his grandchildren in love, Brittany Swears Ray (Eric) and Caleb Swears (Madi), of Carlisle, his faithful friend and companion of 11 years Terry Norton and his caregiver of five years, Ranae Ramsey both of Carlisle. He is also survived by a host of relatives and friends worldwide.
Services for Tim will be Friday, April 3, 2026 with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M.; Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. following the visitation and will be held at the First Methodist Church in Carlisle, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Carlisle Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.
Prayers for his family and friends and a special Hug for Ms Sue
Tim was a great guy and I always enjoyed being around him. I still remember very well the time he took me on a flight in his airplane during my years as a resident of Dumas.
Rest in Peace Tim.
My condolences to the family, Sue I remember the days at Hopedale harmonizing with you and the many manicures we gave each other in the back of the church. You and Tim had a wonderful and illustrious life for many, many years. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time, love to all. Emma Sue Ledbetter
Sue and family-we are so saddened to hear about Tim. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. We will always have fond memories of visiting at the cabin.
Sue, as you know, I was surprised when you informed me of Tim’s passing. I will always remember his stops at mon and dads as he hitch hiked back and forth to aft Smith to meet his monthly National Guard requirements. He was a man whose smile could be seen from afar. A true Southern gentleman. He had such a passion for muscle cars air airplanes. A man after my own heart. He will be missed by many.