Jerry Don Ladd

He is survived by his wife, Austina Collins Ladd and his step-sons, Cameron, Gavin and Spencer Collins; his daughter, Brandi Gilliaum of Greenwood, her husband Shannon and grandchildren, Tanner and Cade Gilliaum; his son, Jeff Ladd of Fort Smith and his wife, Dianna and grandchildren, Reece and Knox Ladd; and his children’s mother, Kathryn “Kay” Ladd of Fort Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Gooch Stadanlyck of Bartlett, Tennessee; his niece, Melissa Gooch and his nephew, Matthew Gooch (who predeceased him); his sister, Connie Lumley of Memphis and her husband, Richard; and his nephews, Blain and Craig Lumley.

He was predeceased by his parents, Herald Austin and Annie Stamie Ladd; and his brother, Herald Dwayne Ladd, all of Memphis, Tennessee.

Jerry graduated from Treadwell High School in Tennessee in 1964 and attended the University of Memphis where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He married Kathryn Dinkins in 1967 and they moved to Fort Smith with their family in 1973 where he was a successful hotel manager. He later opened his own businesses and was known for his gregarious personality, his generosity and his dedication to hard work. He was loved not only by his family, but by his many faithful friends and employees, all who knew him as a leader– someone who was always willing to help and who would give his last dime to do so.

Memorial service is scheduled for 2:00pm Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church, Kevin Thompson, will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry Ladd’s life.