Rash Junior Jerry

Upon graduation from Strong High School, he was drafted the following day into the United States Army. As the war drew to a close, he served 13 months in Japan after Hiroshima as a peace-keeper before being discharged. Returning home in 1947, he went to work for Root Petroleum in El Dorado, which later became American Oil. On his way home from work one day, he stopped by Burnside’s Store and saw a girl that turned his head – Jean Woods. Two days later he paid a visit and 6 months later married the love of his life. The past 68 years cultivated a wonderful history for their children and grandchildren and a marriage that only God could separate. When American Oil closed in El Dorado he took a transfer to the Texas City, Texas refinery where he worked 10 ½ years before retiring after 35 years of service (1947-1982) to return home to El Dorado.

Upon the death of his daughter, Joanna, together they welcomed with open arms and raised three of their grandchildren whose lives not only were blessed, but were surrounded by love.

Growing up a country boy, his love for the outdoors was always deer and turkey hunting. Every hunting season he looked forward to his boys, grandson, and hunting buddies to congregate for making new memories and reliving old times, tall tales and unbelievable stories.

He lived his life with a passion for his children, grandchildren, and friends – a life that anyone who knew R.J. will always remember him with a big smile, a warm hug or handshake, and a big heart. Even though he has a large family that will miss him more than they can voice, he also has so many friends that will always remember the good times!

Preceding him in death are his parents; siblings, Otis, Roy, Ollie Bert Jerry, Unie Jerry Major, Guthrie Jerry Sorrells, Rachel Jerry Brown; children Judith Annette Jerry, Joanna Jerry Bryan; grandson, J.P. Bryan; and great granddaughter, Miranda Anne Jerry.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Norma Jean Woods Jerry; sons, Thomas Lynn Jerry and wife Vivian, Danny Ray Jerry and wife Joann; grandchildren, Jan Loftin and husband Todd, Casie Eads, Dawn Angela Dickson and husband Matt Benjamin, Mark Daniel Jerry and Jennifer Nicole; Candace Renee Hargis and husband Keith, Elizabeth Ann Ramey; great grandchildren, Scott Loftin and fiancé Allyson, Katie Eads, Kyle Eads, Hunter Ray Dickson, Ashlynn Nicole Dickson, Bradley Charles Rockefeller, Jenna Elaine Rockefeller, Logan Hargis, Jaxson Hargis, Nolan Hargis, Addison Dopson, Lee Ann Ramey; and great, great granddaughter, Averi Belle Loftin.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 Friday, August 26, 2016 at Young’s.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Young’s Chapel with Rev. Tommy Roberson and Rev. Ronnie Robins officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery in Lawson under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730 or to the Liberty Cemetery Fund, C/O Gary Hill, 2911 Lawson Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com