GILLETT — John William Cover,

82, of Gillett, passed away March 30, 2024. He was born on December 9, 1941, in Arkansas County, to Ted Cecil Cover and Johnetta Eason Cover. Johnny received a football scholarship to Southern State University. After his graduation, he coached in Wynne and Pocahontas, before coming home to Gillett to farm. He retired from farming in 2006. Johnny was active in his community. He was a member of the Arkansas County Historical Society, and Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club. Johnny was a former member of the Gillett School Board, Gillett City Council, Gillett Cemetery Board, and Federal Land Bank. He was a member of Gillett Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda Place Cover; his brother, Bob Cover; and his sister, Joyce Gordon. Johnny is survived by his sons, John David Cover (Claudette) and James Cover, both of Gillett; one grandson, Jacob Coburn (Tiffany); two great-grandsons: Eli and Isaac Coburn; brother-in-law, Scott Place (Karen); sister-in-law, Leona Fletcher; and a host of nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. April 2, at Gillett Methodist Church, with visitation one hour before the service. Burial will follow in Gillett Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gillett Cemetery, c/o Jennifer Lowe, P.O. Box 124, Gillett, Ark., 72055 or Gillett Methodist Church, P.O. Box 88, Gillett, Ark., 72055. The family would like to thank Dr. Ralph Maxwell and Dr. Hayden Leibrock, Becky Weinrich, and DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home staff for the wonderful care that they gave Johnny. www.essexfuneralhome.com.