HAROLD JEFFERY

Harold Ray Jeffery, age 91, of Calico Rock, Arkansas, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Freeman Hospital.

Harold was born March 30, 1930 in Mt. Olive, Arkansas to the late Ray Jeffery and Gertha (Copeland) Jeffery.

A graduate of Calico Rock High School in 1948, Harold received his Bachelor degree in Education from Arkansas Tech in 1952 and a Masters degree in Administration from the former Peabody University, now known as Vanderbilt University.  Following graduation, he proudly served his country for two years, in the United States Army.

Harold left the service and joined the Calico Rock School District as a coach, physical education teacher, principal and athletic director.  A career that would span over thirty-eight years, retiring in 1995.  During his time at the school, he served as basketball coach for thirty-three years, a job that allowed him to coach both of his daughters and multiple nieces and nephews.  Over the course of his coaching tenure, his name became synonymous with equality amongst players; order; hard work; sportsmanship and discipline.  A sportsmanship award is given annually in his honor.  He valued the relationships of his players both on and off the court and taught life lessons to each one of them. His title of 'coach' was truly something that he never took for granted.

Harold was a family man.  His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world and love.  He enjoyed being outdoors and went fishing whenever he had the chance.  Harold was one of the oldest long-term members of Calico Rock Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  He cherished the time spent and memories created with his family and friends.  Harold will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Harold married Patricia Wilson on April 1, 1955, in Calico Rock, Arkansas.  They spent 63 precious years together before she preceded him in death on March 4, 2019.

He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jeffery Layne Sanders; and siblings, Georgia Russell, Von Dean Jeffery and Hale Faith Jeffery.

Harold is lovingly survived by his two daughters, Jill Endicott and husband, Bill, Oronogo, Joni Good and husband, Tim Goostree, Webb City; one brother, Howard Jeffery and wife, Carolyn; grandchildren, Shelby Marshall and husband, Brad, Hannah Kent and husband, Jake, Darby Lillard and Brandt Weston, Harold Lillard, Jack Good, Parker Good; great grandchildren, Blain Marshall, Brody Marshall, Blakley Marshall, Peyton Weston, Emma Weston, Jayaa Kent, Thomas Kent; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Services are planned for Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.  at the Harold Ray Jeffery Gymnasium.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.  Christopher Moad, Kenny Thornton, Mike Seay, Mark Seay, Lance Whiteaker and Warren Sanders will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers are all former Pirates and coaching friends together with the Over the Hill Gang, Charlie Sneathern, Lyndle McCurley, Jim Webb, and Charlie Webb.  The family will receive friends Monday evening, December 27, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Calico Rock Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harold Ray Jeffery Scholarship Fund, c/o Kenny Thornton, First National Bank of Izard County, P.O. Box 690, Calico, Rock, Arkansas, 72519 or to Calico Rock Cumberland, Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 315, Calico Rock, Arkansas, 72519.