Gerald Nolen "Jerry" Haynie

GERALD NOLEN HAYNIE "JERRY" passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, March 4, 2011 at St. Vincent Hospital, in Little Rock, Ark. He was born May 4, 1938 at his parent's home in Franklin, Tenn. to W.D. and Bernice Haynie. Jerry grew up in Memphis, Tenn. At a young age, he was a Boy Scout, and also became an avid piano player. His love for music continued through his life. During his high school years, at Humes High School, he was in a musical band known as, "The Three Jokers". One night, his band performed on the same stage as Elvis Presley who attended the same high school. After high school, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the distinguished rank of Sergeant (non-commissioned officer). After the Marines, he worked his way through college, and attended Memphis State University, where he excelled and earned his bachelor of arts in business administration in only three years. Soon after college, he met Betty Faye Johnson, and they were married on May 23, 1964. This was the start of a relationship that lasted over 40 years and love that lasted to the end. Jerry and Betty were settling in Memphis, where he worked for a BBQ chain, Little Pigs of America. Later that year, he was contacted by a Kentucky business man, and later, Governor John Y. Brown, and his partner, Jack Massey, who just bought out a relatively obscure chain, founded by a little old man in Corbin, Ky., who had strange ideas of cooking chicken in a pressure cooker. (Colonel Harland Sanders). They took a big leap of faith, packed up and moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Jerry was the first National Training Director at Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation. After three years, they moved to Nashville and he became a field director with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC.) In the early days of KFC, he was offered the opportunity to buy KFC stock. He borrowed every penny he could get his hands on to buy the enterprising franchise. He desired to buy more KFC stock, but barely able to make the interest payment, he promised his wife, Betty, that he would buy her a washing machine because their first baby was on the way. In 1968, he had made enough money in the stock market to go into business. Because his wife, Betty, was a native of Conway, Arkansas, they decided to relocate and buy the KFC Franchise in North Little Rock, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Over the years he added other KFC outlets in towns through out Arkansas, at one time totaling over 20 KFC restaurants. On Jan. 1, 1979 he purchased the Original Mexico Chiquito located at Protho Junction. Soon expansion occurred into full service restaurants and take out stores in Central Arkansas. Jerry received numerous awards. He was a finalist for Arkansas Business Executive of the Year in 1992. Arkansas Times Restauranteur of the Year in 1990. He also won the KFC HEART award in 1997. He was on the Executive Chefs Council for KFC; Past President of the Greater Southwestern Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise Association; served on NCAC (National Advertising Council with KFC); he was secretary/treasurer for both the Central Arkansas KFC Advertising Coop, and the Northwest Arkansas Advertising Coop. He was a innovator and helped developed new concepts and products that you still see today in KFC, such as Crispy Strips, buffet, and non fried chicken. He served on many local community boards and associations such as Board of Directors at First Commercial Bank (Regions); Board of Directors at Pulaski Academy, and he was instrumental in the development of the pre-school at Pulaski Academy. Jerry semi-retired in 2000 to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a world traveler and adventurer! Often times, taking friends, family, and employees on wonderful trips. He was a wine connoisseur, and loved the experience of fine dining with friends and family. Jerry was a HOG fan! He was hooked after hearing his first HOG CALL! He enjoyed traveling to bowl games, basketball tournaments, and NCAA finals. Over the past 40 years in his restaurant business, he has gained the respect and loyalty of many long time employees. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.D. and Bernice Haynie, also, his loving wife, Betty, who passed away in 2004. Jerry is survived by his five daughters, Jennifer Hedgecock (John), of Bentonville, Ark., Lisa Glidewell, (Scott), Kimberly Haynie (Fiance, Rocco Forgione), Pam Johnston (Matt), and Patti Jones (Chad), all of Maumelle, Ark.; grandchildren, John Nolen, Katelyn, and Loren Hedgecock, Gerald (Jack), James, and Ben Glidewell, Drew, Mallory, Megan, and Lindsey Johnston, Stephanie, Cade, Ethan, and Luke Jones; his fiance, Susie Mitchel of Little Rock and sisters, Kay Butler of Snellville, Ga. Linda McCandless (Don) of Lexington, Neb., and Billie Ann Mowery (Bob) of Little Rock, Ark. Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Monday, March 7, 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at St. James United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. Memorials made by made to St. James United Methodist Church 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212