Reverend Jerry Eubanks

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Debbie Balser, his brother-in-law William Balser, Jr. and his niece Cindy Jacobsen-Merideth.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his son Steven Eubanks and wife Lisa, his daughter Kathy Abshere and her husband Steve; three grandchildren Josh Abshere (Liz), Jerika Kelley (Ryan) and Jayden Abshere; four great grandchildren Ezra and Ivy Abshere, Hudson and Harper Kelley, one sister, Judy Bateman (Bill) and 3 sisters-in-law Jayne Jacobsen (Andy) ,Gayle Hampton (Neal), Dorothy Howard (Johnny) ; 9 nieces, 2 nephews, 20 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins, church families, and friends.

Jerry’s priorities in life were God, his family, and his friends. He never failed to see the good in everyone. He loved to play golf with his Little Creek Golf Buddies; to fish with his son Steve, to travel with his daughter Kathy and her family, and to garden in his backyard. He was an avid football, basketball, and baseball fan. Many happy days were spent attending Razorback and Naturals games with his family and friends.

Jerry served on the Interfaith Preschool Board, the First Tee Board, and the PGA Classic Golf Tournments. He served 12 years in the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard.

A lifelong Methodist, Jerry began preaching when he was 15 years old. He served as pastor for several churches before leaving the full time ministry to serve in a lay leadership capacity for over 50 years. He taught Sunday School for 45 of those years, served on numerous United Methodist Conference and District Committees, and was Lay Leader for Midland Heights United Methodist Church and Goddard United Methodist Church for 40 years. In 2009 Jerry again heeded his call to the ministry and served as pastor of Cecil United Methodist Church for 5 years. He loved to preach and to tell people the Good News. He served as interim pastor for several churches during the years he was also serving in lay leadership. He assisted or preached in the worship services at Goddard United Methodist Church every Sunday until the time of illness. He currently was serving as Lay Leader and Chairman of the Administrative Council of Goddard United Methodist Church.

Jerry enjoyed a 34 year career with Data-Tronics Corp. His last position there was as Manager of the Information Services and Human Resources Department. Jerry cared deeply for his work family.

Jerry was a member of the Belle Point Lodge, Scottish Rite, the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, and The Order of Sword and Trowel, serving in each leadership capacity of each organization.

Jerry was a loving husband, father, “Pappaw” and “Great Pappaw”, uncle, and a loving friend to a dozen “adopted” relatives. He cherished every moment, every phone call, and every action by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He and Elizabeth enjoyed traveling and made a lifetime of memories together. He will live on in the lives of those who loved him. His family will strive to live lives worthy of his life example.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. His ashes will be privately interred in the Goddard United Methodist Church Columbarium. A Celebration of Life Service, led by Rev. Kim Kelton Cloninger, is to be held at Goddard United Methodist Church Tuesday, July 6 at 2 pm. Out of respect for everyone attending, all people are asked to wear a mask, including those who have been vaccinated. Memorials may be made to the Goddard United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 1922 Dodson Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Honorary Pallbearers are his Little Creek Golf Buddies: Curtis McDonald, Bill Montgomery, John Shelby, Paul Glover, Cleve Fields, Chris White, Larry Brisco, Charlie Bieker, Roger Ross and his lifelong friend Miles Shopfner.