CONLEY DOYLE JACKSON,
94, died Thursday, January 8, 2021 in North Little Rock. He was born February 13, 1926, in Coldwell Township, Ark., to the late Homer Weldon Jackson and the late Alma Grace Watson Jackson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Faye Churchwell Jackson; one son, Doyle E. Jackson; and one brother, Kenneth B. Jackson.
Conley served in the Navy near the end of World War II as a Hospital Corpsman. After serving, he was able to pursue his passions of learning and farming. He attended the University of Arkansas and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (1950) and Masters in Agronomy (1967). He worked in government service for 35 years focused on agriculture and land management. During his career, he worked with the Farmers Home Administration in Clay and Greene Counties (Piggott, Ark.), Missouri Extension Service (Canton, Mo.) and Corps of Engineers (Little Rock, Ark.). He was an avid reader, lifelong learner, and farmer. He raised soybeans in Piggott and ran a cattle/hay operation in Floral, Ark. He loved working on the farm in Floral. His children would tell you that they couldn’t keep up with his pace even in his 70s. After retiring from his farming operations, he spent much of his time keeping Betty on her toes over their 70+ year marriage.
Conley’s service in WWII and subsequent support from the GI Bill plus Betty’s expectations of excellence propelled their children to each pursue college degrees. His children believe the sacrifices their parents made were such selfless gifts that opened many doors for them for which they are eternally grateful. Conley and Betty suffered a loss that left a hole in their heart that would never heal when Doyle passed in 2007. Doyle taught Conley to trout fish on the Little Red River and they spent many afternoons with a line in the water.
Conley had an amazing friend in the late Martin Koschmann. Martin and Conley spent many afternoons sailing on Lake Maumelle or playing their own version of golf at Burns Park. Martin and Conley sang together in the choir at Park Hill Christian Church and they couldn’t resist a free lunch to listen to a sales pitch.
Mr. Jackson is survived by his daughter, Jan (Harold) Jones; sons, James and Allan (Carrie) Jackson; and grandchildren, Jenifer, Aaron, Matthew, Luke, William, Kathryn, and Justin. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Jonah, Elise, Lily, and Benjamin; brother, Herschel (Nola May); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation was from 2-4 p.m. January 17, 2021, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock. A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2021, at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains with Rev. Miles Cook officiating. Memorials can be made to Park Hill Christian Church, North Little Rock, or Museum of Discovery, Little Rock. You may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.