Gary Lee Kees

Gary Lee Kees, 71, of Hot Springs, joined his heavenly father on Saturday, September 12, 2020.

Gary was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 14, 1949, the son of Elzie Lee Kees and Myrtle Simmons Kees. Gary married Nancy Adkins on August 8, 1971. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Jeanette Taylor.

Gary moved to Arkansas as a young child and would call it home until his death. He graduated from Dollarway High School and received his BSE from Henderson State University and would later get a Master of Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Gary spent 49 years dedicated to improving the public education system in the state of Arkansas, serving as Assistant Superintendent at Dollarway Public Schools, Superintendent of both Stephens and White Hall Public Schools, and after his retirement, as consultant to the Arkansas River Education Service Coop. In fact, one of his favorite pastimes was debating school policy and writing fiery emails following State Board of Education meetings.

Even greater than his service to public education was his service to the Lord. A devoted deacon at Piney Baptist Church in Hot Springs and a Sunday School teacher for over two decades, Gary knew there was no greater call than to tell others about the love of Christ and the hope he had in Him.

Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy Kees of Hot Springs; his children, Dak and Stephanie Kees of Bentonville, Heather Kees of Bentonville and Cody and Blake Kees of Little Rock; his seven grandchildren, whom he adored, J. J., Molly, Jackson Lee, Preston, Dawson, Parker and Whit; his sister, Debbie McKay of Pollock, Louisiana; two sisters-in-law, Eddie Helms Stout of Bossier City, Louisiana and Mary Twitty of Magnolia; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and numerous wonderful friends.

Church services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 15, 2020, in the Piney Baptist Church with Bro. Larry Catcher and, his nephew, Bro. Wes McKay officiating. Social distancing directives will be in place-face covering must be worn.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Monday evening at Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Social distancing directives will be in place-100 or less at a time in the funeral home, face covering must be worn.

In lieu flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Piney Baptist Church, 3150 Albert Pike Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913, or Evangelistic International Ministries (EIM), 114 Bradley Road #23, Warren, Arkansas, 71671.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” 1 John 5:14-15

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.