SPRINGDALE — Jimmy Lee Teters,

age 89, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021, at his home in Springdale, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 27, 1931 , in Springdale to Myron and Zulema (Samuel) Teters. He is preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

Jimmy was a Springdale native and a charter member of Berry Street Baptist Church. Passionate about community service, he spent almost 20 years of his retirement volunteering. As a tireless advocate for children, he spent many years volunteering for the Springdale School District and named a “Friend of Springdale Schools” for his dedication. Many of those years were spent at Lee Elementary school and in 2004 his “honorary grandchildren” purchased a chair in his name at the Jones Center Chapel and recently celebrated him with a parade. Every year he dressed up as Santa Claus for the children at Salem Lutheran PreSchool. A tradition that started when he called or wrote letters to his own grandchildren to keep their belief in Santa Claus alive.

He was a great storyteller who enjoyed western music, movies, the rodeo and The Andy Griffith Show.

He was outspoken, frequently writing letters to the editor of the local paper and even named as Honorary Assistant Attorney General of the State of Arkansas.

Most of all he loved his family and took a very special interest in each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Kathryn Teters of the home; children Myron (Terri) Teters of Springdale, Kathy Teters of Springdale, and Barbara (Gary) Hudgens of Colorado Springs, Colo., grandchildren; Christina ( Wendell) Wilson, Shawn Teters, Nick (Elisabeth) Teters, Landon Teters, Melissa (Gene) Holland, Cory (Allison) Teters, Jimmy Teters, Tyler Hudgens, Kathryn (Dominique) Rodriguez, and Daniel Hudgens; 14 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Marie Dunavin and Carolyn Bailey.

A celebration of life will be held on July 5, 2021, at 10 a.m., at Berry Street Baptist Church, Springdale, Ark. To place an online tribute, please visit: www.bernafuneralhomes.com .