Charles Frierson

JONESBORO - Charles Davis Frierson III carried forward an extraordinary legacy of public service and civic dedication that has helped shape Jonesboro, for generations. Following in the distinguished footsteps of Charles Davis Frierson Sr. and Jr., he embodied the family's unwavering commitment to building community, fostering development, and serving the public good.

Charles Davis Frierson III's passing, on July 14, at the age of 93, marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to benefit Jonesboro for generations to come. Born in Jonesboro, to Charles Davis Frierson, Jr. and Margaret Purifoy Frierson, Charles lived a life marked by dedicated service, professional excellence, and adventurous spirit.

Charles married Carolyn Rhea Frierson, on Nov. 27, 1955. She fell for the young crooner following his solo rendition of "Cool Water" as he performed at a fraternity event at Arkansas State University. True to Carolyn's declaration that he would become her husband, they shared seven decades of marriage, raising their two children Sandra Frierson and Terry Frierson.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents, his brother James Frierson, and his daughter Sandra Frierson. He is survived by his son Terry Frierson (Kim); grandchildren Brandon Frierson and Brooke Frierson; great-grandchildren Lenworth and Renee Welsch; sisters Neville Bryan and Cherry Frierson Young; and many adoring nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Charles graduated from Jonesboro Public Schools before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Arkansas State University in 1953. He was a Blue Key Honor Fraternity member and served as President of Pi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity for two years. He was recognized in Who's Who in American Colleges before continuing his education at the University of Arkansas Law School, where he earned his LLB and Juris Doctorate in 1958.

Following his ROTC commission, Charles served his country with honor as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Artillery, stationed in Korea in 1954 and Hawaii from 1954-1955.

Charles built a distinguished banking and legal career spanning 67 years. At 93, he was the oldest practicing attorney in Arkansas. He served as City Attorney for Jonesboro for two terms and held the same position for Bay, Cash, Brookland, Monette, and Lake City. Throughout his career, he provided legal counsel to City Water & Light since 1972, Craighead Electric Co-op from 1972 to 1989, and various drainage districts. At the time of his passing, he continued to serve as City Attorney for Caraway and Weiner.

In the business world, Charles served as Chairman of the Board and President of Mercantile Bank and Chairman of the Board of Monette State Bank, demonstrating his commitment to the economic development of his community.

Dedicated to public service, he served on the City Planning Commission, as a delegate to the 1970 State of Arkansas Constitutional Convention, and as a Jonesboro City Councilman from 2006 to 2022. His environmental stewardship was evident through his 10-year tenure as Secretary/Treasurer of the Craighead Forest Park Commission and his 15-year leadership of the Craighead County Solid Waste Authority & District from its inception in 1985 to 2000.

His commitment to youth development was apparent through his work with the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest council award. He served the Eastern Arkansas Area Council as Commissioner and twice as Council President, leading capital fund campaigns and co-chairing the development committee that established a new summer camp near Viola.

Charles also served as President of the YMCA for two terms, chaired capital fund development campaigns on two occasions, and served as Director of the Southwest Region of YMCA. His political involvement included serving as Chairman of the Craighead County Democratic Central Committee and the Craighead County Election Commission for 20 years beginning in 1972. His sharp wit remained intact up to his time of death when his doctor asked who is the president. Charles responded, "I refuse to answer that question."

Charles's lifetime of service earned him numerous honors, including the Fund Raising Leadership Award from Arkansas State Council for Economic Education, the ASU Presidents Council Award, the 1974 Jaycee Boss of the Year Award, the 1990 Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award, the 1998 Rotary Club Service Above Self Award, and the 1998 Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce Roy H. Jolly Volunteer Award.

Beyond his professional and civic commitments, Charles was an avid scuba diver and world traveler. His underwater adventures took him to the Red Sea, Truk Lagoon, Great Barrier Reef, Bahamas, Maldives, New Zealand, Saba, and countless other destinations with clear waters. His travels spanned the globe, from viewing the Egyptian pyramids and King Tutankhamun's mummified remains to exploring the Orient, riding elephants in Asia, riding camels in the African desert, and sailing distant seas. He was known for sharing his adventures with local civic groups, advocating for nature conservation.

A celebration of Charles Frierson's remarkable life will be held on Thursday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m., following a 4 to 5:30 p.m. visitation at Emerson Funeral Home, 1629 E. Nettleton Ave. in Jonesboro. All are welcome to attend and pay respects in casual attire.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com.