Brian Keith Johnson, affectionately known to many as “Cowboy Keith,” of Malvern, Arkansas, passed away on September 24, 2026. Born July 25, 1973, to Jimmy and Shirley Ann Johnson, Keith lived a life filled with laughter, love, hard work, and a willingness to help anyone who needed him.

Keith married the love of his life, Barbie Johnson, on April 22, 2017. Of all the things Keith enjoyed in life, making Barbie happy was at the top of his list. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, and the kind of companionship that made even the ordinary days special.

If you knew Cowboy Keith, you knew there was never a dull moment when he was around. He was the life of the party and the jokester of every group he found himself in. He could make anyone laugh, and he never met a stranger. If you happened to run into Keith around town—or especially at Walmart—you knew you weren’t getting away quickly. One story would turn into another, and before you knew it, an hour had passed. More often than not, he had his gray Yeti in his hand and that familiar smile on his face.

Keith was also one of the most selfless people you could ever know. He was the person everyone called when something needed fixing, building, figuring out, or simply a helping hand. A true handyman and the “fixer of all things,” Keith rarely hesitated when someone needed him. Helping others wasn’t something he did for recognition; it was simply who he was.

He loved hunting, spending time at the farm, working with his hands, and being surrounded by the people he loved. But nothing compared to the love he had for his grandchildren, Dawsyn Sheets, Gracie Smoke, and RJ Savage. They were his entire world, and the time he spent with them brought him immeasurable happiness.

Keith leaves behind his wife, Barbie Johnson; his father, Jimmy Johnson; his children, Ashley (CJ) Savage, Taylor Williams, and Briar Williams; his beloved grandchildren, Dawsyn Sheets, Gracie Smoke, and RJ Savage; his sisters, Roxann (Richard) Henson of Blevins and Sherry (Tim) Gray of Conway; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the many lifelong friends Keith loved and treasured throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Ann Johnson; his brother, Dewayne Johnson; and his beloved furry best friend, Outlaw, who held a special place in Keith’s heart.

Keith will be remembered for far more than the things he could fix or the stories he could tell. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his humor, his loyalty, and the way he always showed up for the people he loved. He had a gift for making people laugh, making them feel welcome, and turning an ordinary conversation into a story worth remembering.

There will never be another Cowboy Keith. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the laughter, stories, memories, and love he gave so freely will remain with his family and friends for years to come. When they think of him, they will remember that smile, that gray Yeti in his hand, another story waiting to be told, and a man who loved his family with his whole heart.

Keith’s family would like to thank the Big Creek Community for everything they have done for them and for the love, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time.

Serving as pallbearers will be Briar Williams, Brian Stinson, Blake Pennington, Michael Stroud, CJ Savage, and Shannon Dyer.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Waylon Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Elmo Johnson, Hunter Gray, Casey Jackson, Matt Rakestraw, Richard Henson, Tim Gray, RJ Savage, Nate Pennington, Aaron Gillham, Heath Batchelor, Blake Harrison, Andrew Gravitt, and the numerous friends whom Keith loved dearly.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home in Malvern. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Regency Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Wynne, Arkansas.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.