Jerry Almond, age 78, of Conway, Arkansas, went to his eternal home in the presence of God on Saturday, October 31st.

For the past 14 years, Jerry has been sick and a resident of several nursing facilities, most recently in Benton at the Arkansas Health Center, but Jerry’s life and impact is not defined by that period of his life. Being raised on a rice farm in Dewitt, Arkansas, Jerry Almond lived a full life. He has always been a hard worker and excelled in every way.

In his high school years, he became a very good basketball player and was the high scorer on his team…while not great at defense, he could shoot and score. While at St. Charles High School, he met the love of his life Diane Manning and that relationship helped define his adult life. When the two of them began dating and eventually married, spiritual matters became the most important to them.

In Brinkley, AR, Jerry began attending the Brinkley church of Christ with Diane, and he obeyed the Gospel and, immediately after, decided to spend the rest of his life preaching the Word of God. Numerous congregations had the blessing of hearing Jerry preach passionately about the God and the Gospel that saved him from his sins. Jerry and Diane have 4 children and love each of them passionately.

These 4 children were raised in a loving home and taught about God and taken to worship faithfully. Serving God was the main priority for his family. He and Diane helped bring all 4 children to the Lord. His love for the church and the Word has been a major contributing factor to two sons becoming preachers and from there, three of his grandchildren also preach the Gospel and a grandson in-law also has worked in the ministry. To say that Jerry impacted the kingdom of God for good is an understatement, but Jerry did it for the glory of God. Jerry was a kind and humble man. He understood that it was God who receives the glory and withstood hardship in the ministry over the years and never quit serving. Jerry also loved living life. He loved sports, especially the Razorbacks. He loved to travel to Branson and Silver Dollar City. He loved music. He loved to teach and taught public school for several years. He is an example of faithfulness and steadfastness to all, and all of those who heard him preach and knew him as a man are blessed to call him husband, dad, pawpaw, and friend. He will be greatly missed beyond what words can say. Jerry, we all love you.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Diane Almond. He is also survived by his 4 children—Keith (Anji) of Jonesboro, AR, Nathan of Vilonia, AR, Christi (David) of Sherwood, AR, and Jason (Crystal) of Perryville, AR. Jerry is also survived by 13 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and by many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Stanley Almond, and mother, Louella Almond, his older brother, Roger Almond, and younger brother, Dennis Almond. Jerry’s memorial service will be Friday, November 6 th, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Oppelo, 24 Kai Drive, Oppelo, Ar.