Jesse Norris Keathley

Jesse Norris Keathley, 83, of Little Rock went to be with the Lord March 1, 2019. Jesse was born on February 29, 1936 in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas to Samuel and Martha Davidson Keathley. He grew up in Searcy, Arkansas and obtained his undergraduate degree at Harding College and his graduate degree at the University of Southern California. Jesse served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, as a fighter pilot and retired in 1977 with the rank of Lt. Col. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Anne Keathley; son, David Norris Keathley and second wife, Mary Birmingham. Jesse is survived by one daughter, Cindy Sitler and her husband, Tim of Little Rock; one grandson, Michael Sitler and his wife, Caitlin of Maumelle; two granddaughters, Sarah Keathley and Tiffany Keathley both of Conway, Arkansas and one great-grandchild, Jacob Cossey of Conway. Jesse loved the Lord and was an avid Bible student and teacher. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and hospital volunteer work. We will miss his possum grin, bad golf swing and his tall tales. A graveside service with Military Honors will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2019 at White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock, with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Searcy Children's Home, Inc., 208 E. Moore Avenue, Searcy, Arkansas 72143. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.