Gavin Bauder, a beloved husband, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, departed this life in Wynne, Arkansas, on Sunday, July 26, 2026. His passing came far too soon, leaving a tremendous void in the hearts of his wife, family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Gavin was born in 2001 to Torrence Bauder and the late Cara Beth Spivey. He grew up surrounded by a family where love, laughter, and togetherness were deeply valued.
As a young boy, Gavin enjoyed playing city league baseball. It was an activity he truly loved and one that became a special part of his childhood. As he grew older, his interests expanded, but his love for sports remained an important part of who he was.
Gavin received his education in the Wynne School District and proudly graduated from Wynne High School in 2019. Following high school, he continued his education at East Arkansas Community College, where he completed his training and earned his welding certification.
Gavin was a hardworking young man who was determined to make his own way in life. Throughout the years, he was employed by HINO, Addison Shoe Company, Matthews Potato Farm, and The Springs of Avalon Health & Rehabilitation. At the time of his passing, Gavin was employed by Pizza Hut.
Those who knew Gavin will remember his outgoing personality, his laughter, and how much he enjoyed simply being around the people he loved. He was an avid football fan and especially enjoyed cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He treasured the time he spent visiting his Paw Paw, Ron Lamb. Friendship was also important to Gavin, and he shared a particularly close friendship with Chance Brewer, with whom he spent time nearly every day. Gavin also loved to sing, and hearing him sing was touching to those who had the opportunity to experience it.
Faith was also a part of Gavin’s life. He and his wife attended New Beginnings Faith Church in Wynne, Arkansas, under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Stevie Nelson.
An especially meaningful chapter of Gavin’s life was the love and companionship he shared with his wife, Be’Unica Bauder. Gavin and Be’Unica were united in marriage on April 30, 2026. Although their time together as husband and wife was far too brief, their marriage was filled with love, shared experiences, special memories, and moments they treasured together. Be’Unica held a special place in Gavin’s heart and was an important part of the life and family he cherished so dearly.
Whether spending time with his wife and family, watching football, visiting his Paw Paw, enjoying the company of friends, singing, or simply doing the things that brought him happiness, Gavin created memories that will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His outgoing personality, laughter, mannerisms, and all the little things that made Gavin uniquely himself will be remembered and cherished. Family was woven throughout Gavin’s life. He experienced the difficult loss of his mother, Cara Beth Spivey, in 2019 following her courageous battle with cancer. Earlier this year, Gavin and his family experienced another tremendous loss with the passing of his maternal grandmother, Rhonda Kay McKnight, on February 11, 2026. His grandmother played a major role in raising him and held a special place in his life. Though their physical presence was gone, the love, lessons, and memories they shared with Gavin remained with him.
Gavin was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Cara Beth Spivey; his maternal grandmother, Rhonda Kay McKnight; and his great-grandparents, Monroe Young and Jimmie Lou Kilpatrick, and Clifford and Barbara Ellis.
Gavin leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving wife, Be’Unica Bauder; his father, Torrence Bauder; his stepmother, Sherry Spivery; his mother-in-law, Darlene Adams; his sister, Stormie Bauder; his grandfather, Ricky Don Ellis and his wife, Tanya; his Paw Paw, Ron Lamb; his uncles, Kyle (Rae) Ellis and Jason Shumard; his aunt, Paige Ellis; his great-uncle, Mark (Darlene) Young; his great-aunts, Patti Rolland and Donna (Ken) Anderson; his special friends, Chance Brewer and Gavin Middleton; along with a host of nieces and nephews, very close cousins, other relatives, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Though Gavin’s earthly journey ended much sooner than anyone could have imagined, the love he shared, the laughter he brought, and the memories he created will continue to live in the hearts of those who loved him. His life will be remembered not simply by the number of years he lived, but by the people he touched and the memories that will forever bear his name.
Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, Aug. 3, at The Bridge Church, 209 E. Merriman Ave., Wynne. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time Monday. Interment will be in Harris Chapel Cemetery, 3663 Highway 284, Wynne.
Funeral arrangements by Miles J. Kimble Mortuary & Cremation in Forrest City.
