Gerald "Jerry" Pence

Gerald Edwin Pence (Jerry), age 88 of Beebe, AR passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Jerry was born to Raymond and Fay Pence in Griffithville, Arkansas on November 22, 1936. He joined the army after high school and after being discharged, moved along with his wife Sandra to Melrose Park, Illinois where they made their home for many years. While in Illinois he worked as a supervisor for Boise Cascade Paper Company on the night shift and enjoyed playing golf and bowling during the day. Jerry, wife Sandra and children, Terry, Sandy and David returned to his hometown of Griffithville in the fall of 1970. He worked for Speed Queen in Searcy as a supervisor for many years until he took over the family farming operation. After Jerry retired from farming, he spent a few years working for his good friend Sonny Noble locating cables all across the country. Jerry enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports, hanging out at the local coffee shop, and he was always building something useful or decorative in his shop. Jerry was known for his mechanical skills and according to many, “could fix anything.”

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sandra Pence; a son, Terry Pence; a brother, RV Pence; and a great-grandson, Layton Pence.

He is survived by a daughter, Sandy (Jon) O’Bryan of Cabot, a son, David (Jennifer) Pence of Arizona, a brother, Charles (Bambi) Pence of Florida, a sister, Sharon (Johnny) Shafer of Searcy, an aunt, Maxine McCrary of Searcy, and a daughter-in-law, Pam Pence of Griffithville.

Jerry’s grandchildren include Wes Pence, Evan (Becca) Pence, Katey (Evan) Mullins, Eric Allred, Ryan (Nykki) Allred, Rachel (Blake) Pulsipher, Aaron Pence, and Megan (Andrew) Allwhite. Great-grandchildren include Cooper and Scarlett Mullins, Easton, Addison and Nora Pence, Brayleigh Allred, Zander Via and Baileigh Pulsipher.

Visitation will be held at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Graveside will be at Dogwood Cemetery, Griffithville, AR on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by Searcy McEuen Funeral Home. www.searcymceuenfuneralhome.com.