Jerry Hovis Markham Sr.

Jerry Hovis Markham Sr. 81, of Little Rock passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2014, born on October 29, 1932, to the late J. B. and Ethel Hovis Markham. He served in the Army in the Korean War. Jerry was the CEO of Collection Service, Inc. from 1962 to present; he was on the Board of Directors of Southern Seminary Foundation from 2003-2014. Jerry served 18 years on the State Board of Collection Agencies and in the Little Rock Founders Lion Club for over 25 years. He served as District Governor and Chairman of the District Governor. He was the Past President of Lions World Services for the Blind. He was a member of Fellowship of Christian athletes and Gideons. Jerry was in the collections industry for over 60 years and he served in a consultation capacity for original collection industry legislation. He was a deacon of Immanuel Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Joy Sue (Suzie) Markham of Little Rock, son J.H. (Jay) Markham Jr., and his wife Cheryl, daughter Julia Renee Markham, all of Little Rock, nieces Sandy Markham Scott of Mandeville, Louisiana, Linda Nunnley, of South Carolina, nephews, Jimmy B. Markham of Memphis, Tennessee, and Joe Haynes of Florida. Brother–in–law, Gene (Dottie) Minor of Little Rock and adopted grandchildren Lillie and Theresa Dilday who referred to him as "Grandpa Chi." He is preceded in death by his parents, brother James B Markham, and sister Katherine Markham Haynes. Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Immanuel Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2014, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway Little Rock, (501) 224-8300. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 or Southern Seminary Foundation, 2825 Lexington Road, Louisville, Ky. 40280. Online guestbook:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.