Gerald "Jerry" Marshel Griffin

Gerald "Jerry" Marshel Giffin, 76, of Little Rock left this Earth for Heaven on Sunday, March 29, 2015. He was born in Wichita, Kansas July 18, 1938 to the late Leon and Theta Warren Giffin. Jerry spent his working years as a salesman, and he was a very successful salesman! He won many awards during his time with The Kirby Company, including Salesman of the Year from Sales and Marketing Executives Organization in 1962 and Top Third Distributor in the United States in 1974. Jerry left the Kirby Co. in 1983 and went into the investment banking business; first at Swink & Co, and then with Calton & Associates as a partner. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock. His grandson Jacob described Grandpa as being remembered as a man of character and humor and probably the best grandfather anyone could ask for! He cracked jokes and made everyone laugh. He prided himself in being so funny. One thing he taught his grandchildren was that "knowledge is power," so he encouraged them to never stop educating themselves. He taught them business tips, and the favorite of at least one grandchild was "treat everyone or anyone you meet like they are the most important person in the world because to them, they are." Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Camilla Haynes; and brothers, Joe and Jim Giffin. Those remaining to cherish their time with him include his wife of 57 years, Darlene; son, Todd Giffin (Debbie) of Bryant; daughter, Lisa Nichols of Little Rock; eight grandchildren: Jerrod, Dustin, Noelle, Emily, Brandon, Jacob, Colton, and Katelyn; nieces; nephews; and many friends. He will be honored at a memorial service at 1 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 2015 at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212, (501) 217-6700. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501) 224-8300. Memorial donations may be made in his name to The Cammy Giffin Haynes Nursing Scholarship Fund, UAMS, 4301 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. You may leave your condolences and sign his guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal. Other famous quotations by the "Latest and Greatest Jerry Giffin" include: • "The wishbone will not replace the backbone" • "If it is to be, it's up to me." • "Without me… I'm nothing."