FAYETTEVILLE — Daniel Wayne Puckett, Jr.,

age 80, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born February 15, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to Daniel Wayne Puckett, Sr. and Irene Frances Harral Puckett and raised in Cave City, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a Computer Analyst for over 52 years in the Academic Computer Center at the University of Arkansas. Dan supported computer graphics design and supported the geospatial work of the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies. The Daniel W. Puckett, Jr. Papers are held at the University of Arkansas Libraries archives.

A licensed amateur radio operator, Dan was actively involved in university, regional, and international amateur radio communities. He mentored students in both computer sciences and amateur radio. From 1991 to 2011, he was a faculty advisor to the Amateur Radio Club of the University of Arkansas. Through the club, he arranged for students at Watson Elementary School in Huntsville, Ark., to speak to the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Dan competed in dozens of amateur radio competitions, connecting with others worldwide.

Dan thrived at the intersection of art and science. Led by his creative spirit and inspired by the work of Buckminster Fuller and Stewart Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog, he designed two homes he built. A gentle and generous spirit, Dan encouraged others to care for one another and to invest in their talents and skills. He was committed to land stewardship and supporting community radio stations. Dan enjoyed many lunches and breakfasts with colleagues and friends, new and old.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Puckett; daughter, Emily Petty Puckett of Fayetteville; son, Jeremy Daniel Puckett and his wife Gretchen, of Belgrade, Mont.; sister, Kittena Bell and her husband, Ronny of Fayetteville; and granddaughter, Lydia Puckett.

A memorial service will be held in the Dining Hall at the Mount Sequoyah Center on Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

Donations honoring Dan may be made to the National Association for Amateur Radio’s Education and Technology Fund https://home.arrl.org/action/Donate.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.