HOWARD JEFFERY,
88, of Little Rock, who did NOT die of COVID passed away November 13, to join his wife Mary, daughter Teresa and unnamed baby son.
Born September 26, 1933, he led a life of diversity. Growing up in Mount Olive he was one of seven children raised in a house with no electricity and no indoor plumbing. Elementary was in the proverbial one room school house. When he started high school he would take a train to Calico Rock, spending the week with relatives. His father, having a penchant for nicknames, gave each of his children one. His started out as Honey Bay but was eventually shortened to just Bay. To his family and childhood friends he is still known as that today.
Following high school, he joined the Air Force as a Medic. His first duty station was in Chambly, France. A 20-yearold boy straight out of the hills was suddenly in Europe. And he thrived. Suffice it to say, with the looks of a young Elvis, many good times were had in France. (Wink wink)
His tours eventually took him to Grand Forks, N.D., where through a convoluted circumstance involving his best friend, and our mother’s sister and brother, he went on a blind date with his soon-tobe-wife, Mary. Wed on October 31, 1961 – they had their first child, Don, born May 25, 1962. We (his children) soon learned to count and eventually figured out there is only seven months between those two dates…their second child, Teresa was soon born followed by their unnamed baby boy.
After two tours in Thailand (more good times had) in the mid 60’s, serving as a helicopter flight medic, he and his family transferred to Biloxi, Miss., where they had another baby boy, James. Following retirement they moved to Arkansas where he started a second career as a heating and air technician. The ensuing years brought a forth another daughter – a half-sister, Beth. Needless to say, Mary wasn’t too pleased. However, their love prevailed and were married 56 years upon her passing.
A running joke was he would check the obits for his name and was happy it wasn’t there…sorry to tell you dad, but it’s in today’s paper. I was fortunate to have had him live with me for the past four years. To learn who he was beyond the memories of a child. To have his granddaughter get to know him and to have playful banter back and forth.
He was a loving husband and a pretty good dad most of the time. He taught his children to be respectful, to show compassion to all, and the best way to not get caught.
He is survived by sons, Donald and James, and daughter Mary Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Pulaski County Humane Society. A memorial service will be held on December 4, at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Mount Olive, Ark. If you knew him, y’all are welcome to come. If he owed you money, please stay away. We love you dad. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.