BENTON — William “Jerry” Gerald Heffington,

79, of Benton, entered into his heavenly home on November 25, 2021. His firm belief in God and his devotion to his family supported him in his death and ultimately gave him peace.

Jerry was born to the late Marvin Jeffrey Heffington and the late Mary Ann “Annie” Smith in Conway, Ark., on August 14, 1942. During his lifetime, Jerry retired from the Air National Guard after serving thirty (30) years and fulfilled a career with the Arkansas State Highway Department after thirty (30) years. Jerry immersed himself in his artwork, in which he was passionate, and was an award-winning Pen & Ink artist of drawings and paintings. He spent most of his life traveling to art shows all over Arkansas and the surrounding states.

Jerry was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church of Benton, Ark., where he was a devoted attendee of Ron Dunning’s Sunday School Class. He was a faithful servant of Christ and served wherever he was needed within the church, which was like a home to him. Jerry was a kind, gentle-hearted, fun, and entertaining man with a gift of storytelling that made everyone around him feel like family at any given time. He helped and served many. He was an animal lover who was crazy about his two (2) yorkies, Abby and Riley. He was devoted to his wife (of 51 years) and daughters and provided them with the love of a husband and father who had a heart for Christ. He is dearly missed by his loved ones and friends, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his Creator.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara ‘Sullivan’ Heffington; his daughters, Andrea Heffington and Niki Elmore; his son-inlaw, Kyle Elmore; his sister, Judy Heffington-Moser; his grandchildren, Brooks and Whitaker Elmore; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Russell Gene, Marvin, and John Heffington.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Benton, Ark. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 1, from 6-8 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Ark.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 2, at 10 a.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Ark.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.