Jerry Reams

Jerry Reams, 69, of Piggott died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in the St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

He was born Jan. 5, 1935, in Union City, Tenn., the son of the late Emmett Lee and Mattie Lee Roney Reams.

He was united in marriage to Betty Crittenden on Dec. 27, 1954. They had three children.

Reams graduated from Piggott High School in 1953. He worked with Crittenden Construction until he received his Master's Degree in Biology from Arkansas State University in 1968. In January of 1969 he returned to Piggott High School to begin his teaching career. During this time he inspired many young people to further their education and enter into the scientific and medical professions. He retired in March of 1995 after 25 years.

He had a passion for reading and spent many hours with a good book. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Reams of Piggott; one son, Alan Reams and wife, Melinda, of Russellville, Ark.; two daughters, Kathy Hoggard and husband, Paul, of Piggott and Lee Ann Scott and husband, Darrell, of Rogers, Ark.; seven grandchildren, Kristin and Kalyn Hoggard, Lauren, Emily and Taylor Reams, and Madison and Carson Scott; one brother, Ronnie Reams of Dexter; two sisters, Nina Blades of Poplar Bluff and Melba Walker of Dexter; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, in the Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Joe Payne and Danny Self officiating. Burial followed in the Piggott Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jim Crittenden, Tony Crittenden, Keith Crittenden, Roy Stender, Lee Reams and Russell Bruff.

Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Piggott Public Library.