Jerry Francis

Jerry Russell Francis age 66 of Arkadelphia died Monday, July 21, 2008 in St Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs. He was born September 11, 1941, to Guy and Iva Jo Corn Francis in the Red Hill Community. He was a life long Clark County resident and a member of the Park Hill Baptist Church where he was a deacon and taught Sunday School. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School, attended Henderson State University, and graduated from Louisiana State University School of Banking. He began his career at Citizens National Bank in 1962, eventually advancing to Executive Vice President. He left banking to join his family in the farming business. The Francis family was named Clark County Farm Family of the Year in 1981. For the past 12 years, he has enjoyed traveling with friends and family of Francis Custom Tours.

Over the years, he was very involved in the community, including serving as Lions Club president, on the Clark County Hospital Board, the Clark County Fair Board, the USDA Farm Service Board, Citizens Bank Board of Directors, and the Riceland Producers Co-op Board.

Survivors include his wife Mary Francis, two daughters, Susan Brackett of Arkadelphia, Sharon Plyler and husband Michael of Hot Springs, three grandchildren, Rachel Austin and husband Josh of Conway, and Lawson and Cole Plyler of Hot Springs, one sister, Sandra Spurlin and her husband Raymond of Midway, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 10 AM Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Park Hill Baptist Church Arkadelphia with Rev. Blake Mc Kinney and Rev. Erby Burgess officiating. Burial will be in the Unity Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday, July 23 at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, Ouachita Baptist University School of Business, or the American Lung Association of Arkansas (Box 34043 Little Rock, AR 72203.)