of Benton, AR

August 11, 1957 - February 11, 2023

Son, Husband, Daddy, Paw-Paw, Friend, Santa, Gentle Giant. These are just some of the words used to describe Jerry Runyan.

Jerry Stuart Runyan, Jr. was born on August 11, 1957. From the moment he was born, he had a larger than life presence. He was welcomed to this world in Fort Smith, AR to Jerry Stuart Runyan, Sr, Rosemary Runyan and an overprotective big sister, Lynne. He graduated high school from Pine Bluff High School in 1975. His first job was at Pizza Inn, where he learned to sling pizza dough like a pro, a skill he would use for years to come to impress family and friends. He then got a job stocking Coke machines on college campuses. It was during that time he realized all the pretty girls go to college, so he was going to go to college, too.

He attended UCA where he met the prettiest of all the girls, the love of his life, Sharon Dains, on the front steps of the cafeteria. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Jerry and Sharon were wed on May 20, 1978.
Jerry chose to take a break from college to start a family, but was always determined to finish his degree. He graduated with his Social Work Degree in 1984 from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

In 1984, Jerry and Sharon moved to Benton, AR to set deep roots. They had 3 beautiful (and just as stubborn as their Daddy) daughters, Rosemary, Rachel and Catherine. Summers were always spent camping, going to Silver Dollar City and seeing who could hold onto the tube the longest when Daddy was driving the boat. He prided himself on being able to scare off boyfriends coming to pick up his girls just by opening the front door. All 3 daughters were Daddy's Girls, through and through. Each of the girls found spouses that loved them almost as fiercely as their Daddy did. Kier Heyl, Russell Powell, and LJ Marlett became the sons Jerry never had. He loved them as if they were his own.

Jerry was a Social Worker for the Arkansas Department of Corrections for 25 years. In his time, he helped start the Boot Camp Program, worked to write the programming for Mental Health in the system and eventually became Mental Health Coordinator for the State of Arkansas Department of Corrections. The number of lives he touched and changed during his service is immeasurable.

Throughout his life, Jerry seemed to always bring joy with him by choosing to find the good in every situation. He was a mountain of a man at 6'7'' but had a heart of gold. He was a longtime member of Salem United Methodist Church. He was one of the best church league basketball players, the most fun youth counselor and continued to support the children's and youth programs through the years.

He was passionate about the Razorbacks and was their #1 Arm-Chair Coach. He was famous in the neighborhood for his extra loud coaching and cheering. If the windows were open, the whole street could hear his yelling at the TV. Like any true hippie, he loved rock and roll and everything tie-dye. He was notorious for saying ''I'll go, but can I still wear my tie-dye?''

Of all the titles he held in this life, Paw-Paw was one of his most favorite. Jerry had 3 grandchildren, Raeghan Powell, Will Heyl and Corbin Heyl. They were the light of his life and best friends. Paw-Paw had the coolest toys (including over 13,000 Hot Wheels cars), the best jokes and always snuck extra chocolate for dessert when parents weren't looking.

Jerry spent the last several years fighting multiple health issues, but boy did he ever fight! His family was everything to him and he was determined that nothing was going to take him from his family. He fought with every ounce of his being until the very end. Surrounded by his family, on Feb 11 at 1:34am, Jerry took his last breath here on Earth and was welcomed Home by his Savior, his parents, sister and special family friend, Amy.

The family wants to say a special thanks to the medical staff that cared for and saved Jerry many times the last few years, notably Dr. Deb Quade, Dr. Lewis Porter and APRN Lori Wise.

Pallbearers are family friends, Steve Emmons and Chuck McGinty; Brother-in-law, Mike Schmidt and sons-in-law, Kier Heyl, Russell Powell and LJ Marlett.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 16 from 6-8pm at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home. Services will be officiated by Rev Justin Ledbetter on Friday, February 17 at 1pm at Salem United Methodist Church in Benton with Graveside to follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salem United Methodist Church Youth Group at www.sumcb.org/give

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR  72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com