Jess Oliver Duty, 65, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday November 30, 2021. He was born on January 7, 1956, in Malvern, Arkansas. He attended classes at Little Rock Metropolitan High School before graduating. He served a brief term in the Army where he was recognized as a military marksman. Jess began his education in the geology field working with his dad in the mining industry and operating heavy equipment. Jess obtained his Water Well Drilling Licenses for Arkansas and Texas. He was crew chief for a large drilling company located in Texas and Little Rock for 20 years. Jess then went on to create his own Geotechnical Drilling Company with his wife and son as well as a dump truck business and heavy equipment operation.

Jess was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved fishing and hunting. Jess fished many tournaments and even several of these with his wife, Diann. After retirement he referred to himself as his family's guide service, and took the most pleasure in sharing with them his knowledge and skills. Jess was a great storyteller and always had a catch phrase at the end that brought laughter to every listener. Many of the stories were of his own adventures and experiences, even most recently how he jumped on the back of a really big deer that he and Diann had been tracking, and tried to wrestle it into submission. The deer won that battle and destroyed his coveralls in the process but what a great story! Jess especially enjoyed sharing his research of American history. His love for travelling took him to many historical sites and he thrived on expanding his knowledge. Jess was very tender hearted, generous, loving, and kind, always making everyone feel so special to him. He loved taking pictures and listening to music and always brought a calmness and safety to those around him. Jess adored his mother and sisters, was a devoted husband, and loved and cherished deeply his children and grandchildren. He had a deep faith in God and talked with him often, and reminded his family to do the same. Though we will miss him deeply, Jess will forever live on through his family and friends. His legacy continues in the many many lives he has touched. Let us always remember his quick wit, awesome humor, and his ability to love deeply.

Jess O. Duty is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver M. Duty Jr. and Vonda Ardell Jones Duty.

Jess is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Diann; daughter, Sarah Carter (Rocky) of Little Rock; son, J.C. Clements of Benton; 5 grandchildren, Jordan and Jeremy Clements, Blaze, Cruze, and Kinzley Carter; 3 sisters, Dorothea Hammonds, Pat Harper, and Vickie Reed; along with a host of loving family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Please join the family in honoring Jess on Tuesday, December 7th, with a visitation at 1pm and his memorial services to follow at 2pm at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, AR.