Leslie Jerome Portugal

Leslie Jerome Portugal, 63, of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock on April 19, 2025. Visitation with the family will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, May 2, 2025, at Humphrey Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Parker Hill Holiness Church, 1421 SR 124, in Russellville, with Rev. David Tribble and Rev. LeRoy Muncy officiating. Burial will be 3:00 PM, at Adams Cemetery in Johnson County, Arkansas, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.

Leslie was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 28, 1962, to Jesse V. Portugal and Reba (Shatswell) Portugal, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents and a nephew, Caleb Portugal.

He married Naomi (Burgen) Portugal on August 1, 1992, in Russellville, whose survives him. Their union was blessed with three surviving children: a daughter, Lessica Duncan (Joey); and two sons, Leston Portugal and Charley Portugal. He is also survived by a grandson, Joey Duncan, Jr.; five brothers: Jesse L. Portugal (Lisa), Manuel Portugal, Dr. Danny Aquilar (Jennifer), John Aguilar, and Jesse Portugal; and one sister, Sherri Portugal.

After graduating from high school in 1980, Leslie proudly served our country in the Army National Guard and later attended Ozark Bible Institute (OBI) in Neosho, Missouri, where he thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Overcomers Choir. He obtained a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Literature with a minor in Pastoral Ministries. After graduating from OBI, he eventually returned to Russellville where he met, fell in love, and married Naomi Burgen.

Leslie strived to do his best at everything he undertook to do, whether it was his work at Hackney Ladish, his music, or his preaching ministry at his home church, The Church of God, in Russellville. He greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a hard-working man, great husband, amazing dad, doting grandpa, and a loving brother. He will be deeply missed and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

In honor of Leslie, we invite you to share your fond memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page. As we remember Leslie, let us celebrate his life, his love, and his unwavering faith. May his memory continue to inspire us all.

Leslie's internet obituary and online guestbook may be accessed at www.humphreyfuneral.com.