CHICAGO, Ill. — Cullen “Jackie” Fletcher, Jr.,

age 77, of Chicago, Ill., formerly of Atkins, Ark., died Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at Grove Rehabilitation Center in LaGrange Park, Ill. He was born June 9, 1944, in Wardell, Mo., to Cullen Fletcher, Sr. and Radia Willis Fletcher.

Jackie was the eldest of 12 siblings. Each of his siblings knew they could always count on him for timely advice no matter what crisis they were trying to work out. He cherished his role as big brother and all his siblings loved him dearly and trusted him to always look out for their best interest.

Jackie was a businessman and owner of Fletcher’s Pipe and Tobacco Company. He had perfected his craft and had customers throughout the United States and in other countries. Many satisfied customers were extremely pleased when Jackie would repair a pipe that had been in their family for generations.

Jackie was a decorated Vietnam veteran, awarded a Bronze Star for bravery. When his unit was ambushed during conflict, almost everyone in the unit was either killed or wounded. Jackie, under enemy fire, brought the wounded back to safety and patched them up.

Jackie was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Antoine; three brothers, Lemuel Fletcher, Rudolph Fletcher, Alford Leion Fletcher; and two sisters, Gloriabelle Fletcher and Radia Marie Brown.

He leaves to cherish his memory: one brother Bobby Fletcher (Georgia) of Russellville, Ark.; five sisters, Marion Fletcher of Chicago, Ill., Gwendlyn Fletcher of Atkins, Ark., Velmar Greene (Kenneth) of Fort Smith, Ark., Deborah Chapman of Columbus, Ohio, and Jophelia Boston (Johnny) of Bellwood, Ill.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jackie will forever be remembered as a loving brother, uncle, and friend. Gravesides were held Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Rose of Sharon Cemetery Blackwell, Ark. Services entrusted to Vance-Wilson & Jarrett Funeral Directors “The Epitome of Service” www.vancewilsonjarrettfuneralhome.