Jacob Staley Rector

Jacob Staley Rector, born May 12, 1924 in Stanton, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on April 24, 2016. Jacob was preceded in death by his parents, David and Edith Rector, brother, Eugene Rector and wife, Frances Rector. Survivors include a brother, Andrew Rector, sister, Rita Euler, daughter, Cathy Ferguson and her husband Bill, grandson, Jacob Ferguson and wife Laura and two great-grandsons, Ethan and Tyler as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jacob left this earth a day before his 70th wedding anniversary. He was able to celebrate this special day with his loving wife, Frances, in Heaven. Jacob was a strong, kind man whose main concern was his family and friends. He lived his life with the utmost dignity, always putting others before himself. Jacob was a true gentleman. He and his daughter, Cathy, were very close and she admired and respected her dad so much. Jacob's son-in-law, Bill, was always there for him and would drop everything to help him out. His only grandchild, Jacob, was the light of his life. Jacob made his grandfather so proud and in many ways, is like his grandfather. Jacob's great-grandsons, Ethan and Tyler also brought him so much joy and love. Jacob, known to many as "Red," had a stellar career with the Kroger Company. He started as a sack boy at age 16, left to serve in the Navy for three years in WWII and returned to Kroger. He did an exemplary job for Kroger for 47 years and truly loved his job. Jacob's hobby, other than Kroger, was working in his yard. He had a natural green thumb. He took such pride in his yard and it showed. Jacob will be sorely missed by his family and everyone who knew him. The world was definitely a better place with Jacob in it. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Christ the King Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, April 29, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock. Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.