JM DuVall

JM DuVall was born March 3, 1930, in Solgohachia, Arkansas, to Lee (Doc) and Ethel Magnolia DuVall and died March 12, 2023, at home surrounded by friends and family. He was a man who had many roles: son, brother, friend, sailor, husband, teacher, principal, father, assistant superintendent, and grandfather. JM graduated from Wonderview High School in 1948. He worked odd jobs and played baseball before his navy enlistment in 1950. He served with the Mines Sweeping Boats Division #1 during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in 1954. Upon returning home he obtained both a bachelor’s degree in education from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas within the GI Bill’s time constraint. He later earned a specialist’s degree in administration from the University of Arkansas. JM married Louise Poteet on August 12, 1956, while they were both students at Arkansas Tech. Together they pursued their careers in education until retiring in 1988. He worked as a classroom teacher, high school principal, elementary principal, and assistant superintendent for the Dardanelle and Cabot School Districts. JM became a father to Marcia Gayle in 1963 and a grandfather to Kayla Erin in 1991. He proclaimed them as his pride and joy. After retiring to Cleveland, Arkansas, JM worked in the yard and garden as much as his health allowed. He was an avid reader, an eclectic music lover, and a collector of stamps and coins. The St. Louis Cardinals, Arkansas Razorbacks, and Red Wolves were his favorite teams. JM was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Ethel; by five brothers: Duane Lee, Vernon Duriel, Wayland David, Lendell Van, and Donald Lynn; and by one sister, Johnnie Dale Wheaton. He is survived by his wife of 66.5 years, Louise Poteet DuVall; daughter, Marcia, and son-in-law, Steven Lynn Miller of Cabot, AR; his granddaughter, Kayla Travis of Jonesboro, AR; by his sisters: Daphene Marie Bewley of Edmond, OK; Glenna Marlene Webb of Plumerville, AR; Sharon Nell Dunn of Hattieville, AR; Brenda Kay Williams of Sherwood, AR; one brother, Larry Nathan DuVall of Memphis, TN; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. After being baptized in a creek near his home as a youth, JM never moved his membership from Hattieville Baptist Church. For the last 35 years, he regularly attended Cleveland Baptist Church. His time on Earth has ended. He was not afraid of dying for himself; he only worried about the security of those he’d leave behind. This man’s greatness came from living a humble life of kindness, hard work, and unconditional love. Honor his memory by doing your best in all the little moments that define life. Service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 16 at the Harris Chapel with Bro. Gib Cole officiating. The family will receive friends 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.

JM DuVall

March 3, 1930 - March 12, 2023