Jerry Leon Doughty

On February 4, 2026, Jerry Leon Doughty, a devoted dad, patient papa, protective big brother, and dedicated husband to the love of his life, passed away at age 83, surrounded by his beloved family. Jerry, the firstborn son of Leo and Opal Doughty, was raised in Blue Jay, where he learned the value of a strong work ethic. His mother taught him to love family and a good story, and his father taught him practical skills like how to navigate the deep woods at night with only the stars to guide him. He could predict rain based on the tilt of the moon. Jerry leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Eyvon Doughty; five children: Randy Doughty and daughter-in-law Lynda, Jeff Doughty and daughter-in-law Leslie, Shannon Magsam and son-in-law John, Gena Turner, and Chad Doughty and daughter-in-law Jen; sisters Phara Lee Bailey and Sandra Sexton; brother Dennis Doughty and sister-in-law, Louise; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jareta Barton. Jerry was one of a kind. He wasn’t a tall man, but he was a giant in the eyes of his friends and family. Jerry was a peacemaker and a protector — outdoorsy and tough, yet gentle in spirit. Remarkably patient, he never spoke ill of anyone and was always ready to help a neighbor. He had the rare gift of making people feel welcome and appreciated. He listened more than he spoke, and his family and friends highly valued his thoughtful wisdom. His son-in-law called him a real-life cowboy out of time. Even though he was quiet, Jerry often made the whole family laugh with a well-timed joke. He loved music, honey buns, his wife’s cooking, and sharing stories from his adventures as a longtime truck driver and heavy equipment operator. If his family wanted to see him light up, they could ask him about driving trucks, hauling dirt, or the best way to fix their car. Jerry was an artist with a backhoe or a bulldozer, whether he was clearing a home place or building a pond with precision. Jerry and Eyvon built their homes with their own two hands, filling them with laughter and love. They taught their kids and grandkids what true devotion looked like. They would often stop for a slow dance when one of their favorite songs played on the radio, and they had a deep respect for one another that was evident to anyone lucky enough to be in their orbit. They were truly a team. Jerry was a thinker and a dreamer. Even at 83, he had big plans for the future. In the most important ways, he fulfilled them all. Jerry’s legacy will live on through his family and friends each time they offer a kind word, treat someone with patience, or share the quiet strength that comes from a life spent learning from their hero. A visitation will be held at Harmony Baptist Church at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 9, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.

Jerry Leon Doughty

August 12, 1942 - February 4, 2026