Jerry Scoggins

Jerry L. Scoggins, 83, passed away in his sleep April 25, 2017, to join his late wife, Paula Cotten Scoggins. A true Arkansan, Jerry grew up in Whelen Springs, Ark., before joining the military in 1952. After completion of advanced pilot training in May 1954 he flew the B-26, C-130A, and the C-141 before commanding the 443rd Field Maintenance Squadron until retirement in 1972. Along the way, he met the love of his life, Paula, and eloped with her in 1955. After retirement, Jerry began his second career as a small business owner opening the "Mini-Mart" grocery store in Benton in 1973 and Mini-Mart Foods in Bryant in the early 1990s. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. After retiring again, Jerry enjoyed traveling with his family to Hot Springs, where he picked winners at Oaklawn, relaxed at his lake cabin, and fished monsters out of Lake Hamilton. Though he never got a turkey, he shared his love for hunting and the outdoors with those close to him and at his deer camp in Gurdon. A man with a big heart and a great sense of humor, Jerry will be remembered as a man with high spirit, a love for the Lord, and a loyalty to the Republican Party. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife Paula, his parents James H. Scoggins and Vennie Stone Scoggins, and his sisters Maureen Scoggins Breece and Frieda L. Scoggins. He is survived by his two daughters, Celest Scoggins Pritchett (Jack) of Bryant and Melissa Scoggins Santiago (Frank) of Ward; a nephew whom he considered a son, Mark W. Walker of Porterville, Calif.; five grandchildren Andrea Pritchett Clark (John), Libby Pritchett, Jared Santiago, James Santiago, and John Santiago; one great-granddaughter Olive Clark and many others who loved him dearly. An open visitation will be held in his memory on Monday May 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton with a graveside memorial service to follow on Tuesday May 2 at noon at the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery in North Little Rock. Donations may be made to the Prayer Garden at the Bryant United Methodist Church. On-line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.