James Wesley "Wes" Cherry Jr.

JAMES WESLEY "WES" CHERRY JR., age 62, of Little Rock passed away from this life at his home on Oct. 14, 2017. He was born on Aug. 9, 1955 in Shreveport, La. His parents were James W. and Kathleen Slaughter Cherry of Little Rock. Wes graduated from Hall High School and then from UALR in 1978. The day after his wedding to Kim, they moved to Fayetteville where he attended the University of Arkansas School of Law where he earned his juris doctorate degree with honors in 1983. While there he excelled academically and was a member of the Arkansas Law Review. Following graduation, Wes worked at a Ft. Smith law firm for one year then returned home to Little Rock where he began his legal career working for John Haley Sr. then the Eichenbaum Law Firm. For 25 proud years, Wes worked for Dillard's Inc. where he served as assistant general counsel then Vice President of Real Estate. He was a faithful, hardworking, devoted worker who always had a love for the law with a servant's heart. He so appreciated Bill Dillard for the faith he had in him. While at Dillard's, Wes became a Board member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Upon his retirement in 2012, Wes was honored with the most amazing retirement party given by his closest fellow Board members Charles Lebovitz, David Zoba, Yaromir Steiner and Gar Herring. For this and the years of friendship, Wes was eternally grateful. Other special friends from the industry were Will Wilson, Bill Wilson, Chuck Stilley, Gary Nay and so many others. Wes retired at age 57 where he and Kim began their new life as "old teenagers." Friends would stop them out walking hand-in-hand and ask if they were dating. They loved telling people they still not only loved each other but also liked each other so dearly. While he loved being an attorney, Wes' family was the true love of his life. He not only adored Kim, but he showed her that love and devotion every single day. Two months after his law school graduation, their son David Wesley Cherry was born. The year his Dillard's career began, their second son, Daniel Phillip Cherry was born. Wes cherished these two men from the day they were born until his last breath, seeing or talking to both of them every day. He was so proud when they each received post-graduate degrees from the U of A then when they found wonderful women to love, marry, and spend their lives with. Two years ago, Wes became a grandfather, a role that gave him perhaps the greatest joy of his life. Emma Wesley Cherry loved her "Bubba" and it thrilled Wes to hear her call his name. Two months ago, he fell in love all over again when Emma's baby brother, Ellis James Cherry, was born. Wes spent as much time with them as he possibly could and loved every second with them. To have both of his grandchildren carry his name was such an honor and gift for Wes. Wes was a lifelong Methodist, growing up at Pulaski Heights Methodist Church then most recently at St. James Methodist Church and the Transitions Sunday School class. Wes was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He appreciated the years his family got to use the Dillard's box at Razorback fans. The family has amazing memories. Wes is preceded in death by his loving parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim Knight Cherry and two sons, David Cherry (Michelle) of Little Rock and Daniel Cherry (Julia) of Fayetteville. He is also survived by two wonderful sisters, Erin Moore (Hart) of Little Rock and Patricia Higginbotham of Arlington, Va. He is also survived by (Aunt) Berna Taylor of Newport and by in-laws Susan and Larry Daniel of Malvern, Bill and Belinda Knight of Malvern and Kay and Mike Brand of Newport. Although not blood, they had his heart from the moment they met. Wes had a number of precious nieces and nephews Brad, Cindy, Greg, Sam, Brad, Jared, Jay, Stacy, Missy, Emily, Erica, Ethan, Andrea, Cody, Alex, Skylar, Michael and Michelle. He leaves behind a host of friends including several lifelong friends Gary Miller, John Haley, Jim Rice, Mark Pearson and Gary Gaines. His family thanks you all and so many more for the friendship. A special thank you is extended to our family physician Dr. Thomas Moore, M.D., Dr. Werner Schneider, D.D.S., and especially to friend and oncologist Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis, M.D. (and nurse China) of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute where Wes was a patient for the past three years. Special thanks also to Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Clogston and Dr. Don and Ann Kusenberger, Bob and Susan Whisnant, Bridget Weiss and so many others for their loving assistance on Wes' homecoming day. There are no words to express our appreciation. Visitation for Wes and his family will be held at the Roller Chenal Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at St. James United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Shadowlawn Cemetery in Malvern at 2 p.m. Honorary pallbearers include Steve Rowell, Mike Ryburn, Bob Whisnant, Don Kusenberger, and Russ Meeks. Pallbearers include Brad Moore, Greg Moore, Sam Higginbotham, Michael Brand, Ethan Knight and Cody Staley. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.