Edward J. Doler, known to many as, "Arkansas Jack", or simply, Jack, died peacefully on May 9, 2023, at the Allen Morgan Health Center in Memphis, TN.
Jack was born on June 28, 1947, in Hughes, Arkansas. He was the son of the late Mary E. Doler (McClanahan) and Edward J. Doler, Sr., of Caldwell, AR. He was a 1966 graduate of Forrest City High School. Jack was a Sergeant, and a Communications Specialist, in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War from February 1969 to February 1970. During his service, he was cited for his outstanding professional skill, knowledge, and initiative. He was awarded the USAF Commendation Medal for his meritorious service at Tan Son Nhut AB in Vietnam.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Jack attended Crowley's Ridge Vo-Tech School where he studied accounting. He held several accounting jobs and worked as a bookkeeper for Proctor Seed and Feed Company. He also worked for a short time in car sales, and an even longer time as an insurance salesman for Liberty Mutual.
Anyone that knew Jack, knows he was a sports fanatic, and the biggest Arkansas Razorback fan. If an article of clothing didn't have a hog on it, he didn't wear it - hence his nickname, "Arkansas Jack." In addition to being a sports lover, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved fishing for bass and catfish, and preferably with a cane pole and a cricket. He was at his happiest in the woods and often told stories, although suspiciously exaggerated ones, about his hunting and fishing days. He was a lover of animals and a proud supporter of the SPCA, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Disabled American Veterans, among others.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, his infant brother, Charles Edward Doler, and his beloved Dachshund of 18 years, "Princess." He is survived by his loving wife; Metra Smith Doler of Memphis, his former wife, Yvonne Kreis of Gettysburg, PA and their two children Anthony Doler of Luton, England, and Christy (Steve) Arentz of Biglerville, PA, three grandchildren; Christian, Ashton and Olivia Arentz, whom he adored, one sister Carolyn J. Doler of Colt, AR, and two brothers, Danny Doler of Palestine, AR, and Jerry Doler of Forrest City, AR, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.
A visitation for Jack will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122. Following the visitation will be a military honors funeral service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for the Doler family.