FORT SMITH — Jerrell “Jerry” Eugene Harry
was born August 14, 1944, in Fort Smith, Ark., the beloved son of Marvin Eugene Harry and Vivian Harrison Harry. Jerry was welcomed into heaven on Friday, August 11, 2023, just a few days short of his 79th birthday.
Jerry grew up in Fort Smith. He was a graduate of the last class of Fort Smith High School in 1962 and Henderson State University in 1967. He met the love of his life, Jane Gunter while in Arkadelphia. They married in November of 1966. He began his early career as a high school math and science teacher in Westfork and Van Buren. A career change led him to management training with ABF and a nearly 50 year career as a transportation executive.
He loved his Arkansas family and loved living in nature. So, he and Jane returned to Arkansas in 1977 to nestle his family outside of Alma to raise his daughters and the menagerie of animals they loved on their 40 acres. He was most happy when he was working on his farm and helping anyone who called upon him with a problem or question. He was the “get it done guy” in many people’s lives.
He retired in 2000 from EagleWings Systems, a company he helped found. He then enjoyed working as a contractor for Wells Fargo in equipment procurement and marketing. With trucking still in his blood, he and daughter Jennifer operated Alliance Carrier Corp., a small Tyson shuttle operation. Once Jane retired, he spent his remaining years enjoying their time, helping others, keeping up with Katie Jo’s barrel racing, traveling, and serving his community for several years as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Diamond Hills.
He was predeceased by both parents and is survived by his beloved wife, Jane (Gunter) Harry, daughters, Lydia Benedict (Jason) of Pipe Creek, Texas, Jan Green, and Jennifer Keller (Brett) both of Mulberry, a sister, Jane McLellan (Stan) of Little Rock, grandchildren, Katie Jo Keller, Evan Green, Connor Green all of Mulberry, Jessica Campbell (Chance) and Lauren Benedict of Pipe Creek, Texas, Melinda Harrington (Justin) of Fair Oaks, Texas. Jerry is also survived by three precious great granddaughters, Paisley, Kenzie, and Everlee Campbell, and nieces, Courtney Head (Adam) and Whitney McLellan and their children as well as extended family and many friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 15th, 5 to 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith, with Reverend H.C. Varnadore, officiating. A private family burial will be at Forest Park under direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or the Boys and Girls Club of the Diamond Hills in Arkansas. Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com