Jess Dollard

Jess Dollard
Jess Dollard, 84, of Fort Smith answered Jesus' call to his eternal home in heaven when he passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020.
Jess was valedictorian of his class at Mountainburg High School, where he was a basketball star. He was known as the "Mighty Mite" after scoring 53 points in one game, before the three-point shot existed. He was one of the best salesmen ever; he was dedicated to his work and treated his customers like friends and family. He continued to work through the day before his passing.
He proudly served our country for six years in the U.S. Army, two years active duty and four reserve, serving in military intelligence from 1959-65. He was involved in classified Morse code communications in Germany during the Berlin Crisis of the Cold War.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Betty Carol Dollard, who preceded him to heaven on June 19, 2018; his parents, William Riley Dollard and Delpha (Teague) Dollard; 11 brothers and sisters; twin sons, Timmy and Jimmy Dollard; and a grandson, Matt Crossland.
He is survived by three children, who loved him very much and knew that he loved them, Karen Crossland and husband Jimmy of Oktaha, Okla., J.W. Lewis and wife Genny of Muldrow and Steve Lewis and wife Kim of Edmond, Okla.; nine grandchildren, Michelle, Kelli, B.J., Ashley, Paul, Rebecca, Eric, Amy and Karin; 17 great-grandchildren, Dylan, Zack, Dakota, Jacob, Layla, Tobias, Brayden, Morgan, Hunter, Aurora, Emily, Gavin, Jayme, Karis, Emberleigh, Kasen and Broley; and many nieces and nephews, who loved and respected him and considered him their second dad. Jess will always hold a special place in the hearts of many people.
Private graveside funeral service will be at Conley Cemetery in Mountainburg, under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren. There will not be a public memorial gathering at this time, but Jess' children and family look forward to future family reunions where their dad, grandfather and great-grandfather can be honored and remembered.
Pallbearers will be his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to call a loved one and tell them that they are loved. Live without regrets and do not lose the precious opportunity to improve or affirm relationships with loved ones.
Online tributes may be made at www.ockerfuneralhome.com.