Jeffie Fletcher Jr.

Jeffie Jr. Fletcher, 80, died Tuesday, August 17, 2010. He was born to Jeffie and Eberna Connor Fletcher near the Arkansas Post, toe oldest of nine children. Jr. received his early education at Cox College. During his adult life he wore many hats. Around the age of 10 he ceased his formal education and went to work in the logging woods for Porter Lumber Company. He worked for the lumber company until 1949. Then he went to Bartonville, Ill. where he worked in factories. He then returned to wed Jeannie Wallace Fletcher on June 23, 1952 at the Methodist Parsonage by Rev. Evert Vinson. They returned to Bartonville, Ill. where Jr. worked for the ABC washing machine factory. They returned to Gillett with two sons, in 1956 when Jr. opened Fletcher's Cafe on the corner of Main Street. From 1963 to 1978 he was Gillett's City Marshal. He also operated a residential garbage business. In the mid 60's until 19832 he was Superintendent of Gillett Water Works, these duties entailed waterworks, waste water, and street department. Jr. also operated a contracting business, where he ran a dozer and back hoe. Jr. was also an avid hunter. He and Dr. Whitehead never missed the opportunity to hunt coons for the annual coon supper. He was disabled performing his duties as superintendent of Gillett Water Works. At the same time he retired from the fire department as well. He had many hobbies that ranged from raising cows, goats, rabbits, to gardening and peddling produce. Jr. was best known for his gift of gab, for he was always willing to tell a tale of loosing his eye to loosing the top of his thumb to anyone who would listen. Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Jeffie and Eberna Fletcher; a brother, Willard Fleltcher; a son, Jeffery Lynn Fletcher; a daughter-in-law, Doris Fletcher; ans step-grandson, Scott Rutledge. Survivors include his wife, Jeannie Wallace Fletcher of 58 years; two sons, Mark ALlen Fletcher and wife, Sandy of Gillett and Lloyd Dwayne Fletcher and wife, K of Forest City; brothers, Gene, Billy Tom, Kenneth and Jimmy Dale; sisters, Wilma "Sissy", ANn and Linda; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda, Brad, Jed, Amanda Kaye, Aamantha and Chance. As well as eight great-grandchildren; as well as a host of relatives and friends. Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 21, 2010 at the Gillett Methodist Church at 10 a.m. In lie of flowers, make donations to the Gillett Methodist Church or Gillett Cemetery.