David Erby

JONESBORO - David Dawson Erby, MD, 76, of Jonesboro, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born on March 18, 1949, in Jonesboro to the late Raymond and Maxine Erby.

David was a 1967 graduate of Jonesboro High School, a 1971 graduate of Arkansas State University, and a 1976 graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, followed by a 3-year residency at UAMS. He then reported for active duty in the United States Army at Ft Sill, Oklahoma, as a Board-certified Psychiatrist. During that time, he obtained the rank of Major. After fulfilling his commitment, he returned to Jonesboro to serve as Medical Director of George Jack Health System, which later became Mid-South Health System, until his retirement in 2016. He was called back to serve once again in the army during the Desert Shield conflict and was stationed for 8 months at Fort Polk, Louisiana, 1990-1991. David was an active member of Valley Ridge Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher for many years. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and bus trips with his wife.

In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Allen and Patsy (Terry) George.

David is survived by his wife, Jala Erby; son, Mat (Kim) Erby; daughter, Jessica (Eric) Johnson; brother, Mike (Rosie) Erby; sister, Charlotte (Mike) Rose; grandchildren, Christa (Nathan) Hamilton, Dr. Mattie (Coner) Erby-O'Rourke, and Sgt. Dawson Johnson and Erika Johnson, as well as great-grandchildren Ashlyn Hamilton and Liam O'Rourke.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Valley Ridge Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

The funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m. with Brother Bobby Floyd and Bro. Gary Henderson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Cash. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Mat Erby, Sgt. Dawson Johnson, Eric Johnson, Mike Rose, Nathan Hamilton, Mike Erby, and Coner O'Rourke.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Valley Ridge Baptist Church, 1707 Christian Valley Drive, Jonesboro, Ark., 72404.

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com