J.D. Hern

J. D. Hern was born in Russellville, Arkansas on April 8, 1922 and passed away on January 18, 2015.
He volunteered to enlist in the Army and was in World War II serving as a medic in the Philippines coming home when his son, David was 3 years old. He farmed in the England area for several years before moving to the Little Rock area where he took up the trade of auto-mechanic. He worked for Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Cadillac dealers for many years. He opened his own business and ultimately went to work for the City of Little Rock where he was working when he retired.
J. D.'s first love was for Jesus Christ and he served faithfully in many Assembly of God churches as Deacon, Treasurer, Sunday School teacher ... .basically anywhere he was needed. He was the primary founder of Greers Ferry Assembly of God church. His Godly wisdom was sought out by ministers and lay people alike. J. D. lived his life so the preacher wouldn't have to lie at his funeral. It was said by some of his younger family members 'J.D. didn't just talk about how his children should live; he lived how they should live'.
His second love was his wife. He married the love of his life and life-long partner (Virginia Ruth Harris) in1940 at the ages of 18 and 15 respectively. They were married 61 years before she passed away. The last 12 years of her life, he was her primary caretaker, never leaving her for more than 3 hours a week.
And last but certainly not least was his love was his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his grandchildren said that 'He was the biggest influence in my life and a great example of man.' All of his grandchildren feel he was a perfect example of commitment and patience. They all enjoyed spending parts of their summers with him, fishing, going to the lake and just spending time with him and their grandmother, eating zero bars and drinking RC cola.
The family would like for him to be remembered for who he was, not what he accomplished as he left a great legacy to his family.
The family would also like to thank all of his friends in Greers Ferry for the love and support they gave him over the years... His neighbors, the waitresses and friends at the liar's table at Bentley's, and his caretakers. But who could help themselves when he was ... .'The nicest guy in Greers Ferry'.
He was preceded in death by his Father (George Abner Hern), Mother (Melinda Angeline Walker), 2 sisters (Ruby Hayes and Ruthamae Goodall), 1 brother (Wilburn Earl Hern) and his beloved wife.
He is survived by one son, Dave Hern and wife, Geneva, one daughter, Patti Thoma and husband, Bill, Six grandchildren, Sherry Swaim, Todd Smith, Jonathan Hern, Jon Thoma, Jason Thoma and David Thoma and 10 great grandchildren, JoeyFuscone, Sarah Swaim, Andrew Swaim, Zoe McCullough, Rylee McCullough, Wyatt Smith, J. D. Hern, Kai Thoma, Evelyn Hern, Emily Hern.
Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at Smith - North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be in Atkins Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, prior to service at the funeral home.
Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com .