Jerald McKim

Jerald Richard “Dickie” McKim is celebrating in heaven with his wife of over 60 years, Gwen.  I can imagine a deer hunt in the cool morning hours, fishing in the afternoon then a big ole hoedown in the evening.  These are a few things that he enjoyed with family and friends.  There will be many “purple rocks” and “yellow rocks” passed around.

Jerald was known by many names.  He was Dickie to his family and friends growing up.  His brother bestowed him with that name  before he was born.  It was a good thing he was a boy because Dwayne talked about his little brother Dickie long before he was born.  When he enlisted in the Army, he was PFC McKim.  While stationed in Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, he hitchhiked home every chance he got.  He and Gwen fell in love and married on June 19, 1954 in a little roadside park.  In July of 1955 in Ft. Sill, OK along came Diane and he was known as “Daddy.” Then along came Tammy and Cheryl and he was a confirmed girl dad.  He let his girls play beauty shop with him and had tea parties. But his most most cherished name was “Papaw” to his grandchildren, Mandy, Nikki, Trevor and Gabi along with great grandchildren Spencer and Piper.

Jerald was a barber for over 40 years in the Bellwood area of North Little Rock. With his friendly personality and endless corny jokes, he was able to make a nice living for his family.  He often stayed open late and gave the new recruits at Camp Robinson their first military haircut.  He also gave children their first haircut free.

He and Gwen along with their girls were active members at Amboy United Methodist Church.  They represented their church in the community with their endless acts of service.  All in the family sang in the choir and played on the church softball teams and volleyball teams.

Jerald and Gwen fell in love with square dancing.  Gwen made their matching outfits and they travelled all over the USA dancing and making lifelong friends.

Jerald was known to be a kind, gentle and generous man.  He will be remembered by all who met him.  He leaves a legacy of love and unfailing kindness.

He is survived by his three daughters, Diane McKim, Tammy Perez (Juan) and Cheryl McKim; four grandchildren Mandy Jones (Bruce), Nikki Ritchey (Shawn), Trevor Perez and Gabi Perez; two great grandchildren Spencer Jones and Piper Allen; two sisters, Louise Langford and Mary Lou Berry.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 15th from 11:30am to 12:30pm followed by the celebration of life at Smith Family Funeral Home, North Little Rock, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114.  Burial will be at 3:00pm at Blackwell Cemetery in Bee Branch, AR.