Dr. Jerry Jeffries

Jerry Jackman Jeffries, 86, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, entered into eternal rest on December 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jerry’s life was a lasting example of faith, service, and joy. Born April 3, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Bid and Mary Ellen Jeffries, Jerry’s early years were filled with energy and determination—qualities that would define his life. After graduating from Fort Smith High School in 1957, he continued his education at Hendrix College, graduating in 1961. Jerry then pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, achieving his dream in 1965. Shortly afterward, he entered the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country from 1966 through 1968.

In 1958, Jerry married Peggy Newlon. Their union of 67 years was filled with laughter, music, and steadfast devotion. Together, they built a family grounded in love and faith. Jerry is survived by Peggy and their three children: Jennifer Welborn and husband Michael, Jill Hartle and husband Phil, and Ryan Jeffries and wife Cindy. He is also lovingly remembered by his three grandchildren—Ashlyn, William, and Alexandra—each of whom brought him immense joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bid and Mary Ellen Jeffries.

A man of tremendous talent and drive, Jerry achieved excellence both personally and professionally. In his dental career, he served as president of the Fort Smith Dental Association and the Northwest Arkansas Dental Association. His leadership extended beyond his profession to the community he loved, including service on the Bost School Board, Salvation Army Board, and the Noon Civics Club. He was a founding member of the Fort Smith Racquet Club and served on multiple boards, including the Hardscrabble Country Club and the Western Arkansas Tennis Association, where he also held the office of president.

Jerry was a gifted athlete, recognized by his induction into the Hendrix College Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements in basketball, football, track, and tennis. He held numerous tennis titles, including the City Tennis Championship, Arkansas State 35 Championship, and membership in the Arkansas Junior Davis Cup Team.

Beyond his athletic and professional accomplishments, Jerry was a man of deep faith and generous spirit. A long-standing member of First Baptist Church and the BSF Men’s Bible Study, and a faithful member of the ROMEOS (Really Old Men Eating Out). He was a member of the Ft. Smith Chorale and shared his musical gifts with those around him, often delighting family and friends with sing-alongs on the piano or ukulele. He lived a life that reflected Christ’s love and grace.

A celebration of Jerry’s wonderful life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM, at First Baptist Church, Fort Smith, and the family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

Jerry’s family rejoices in his rebirth and restoration, taking comfort in the promise of Scripture:

*2 Corinthians 5:6–8* “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”