Jimmy Charles Citty

According to Solomon, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."

For Jimmy Charles Citty, the time to be born was May 24, 1939, to the late Lester Citty and Odell Citty Binns in Redland, Okla. After graduating from Idabel (Okla.) High School, Citty enrolled at Harding University, completing a degree in Biology in 1961. His undergraduate degree set the trajectory for his professional career.

A time to heal became Citty's passionate pursuit throughout his lifetime. He began his medical career at the University of Tennessee Medical School, and in 1965, he elected to pursue residency training in family medicine and obstetrics with the Army Medical Corps at both Fort Bliss and Brooks Army Medical Center in Texas. After completion of his training, Citty moved his young family to De Queen, Ark., where he established his private practice.

The seasons changed for Citty in 1975 when he received a phone call from then-Harding University Head Football Coach John Prock, who invited Citty to return to Searcy to become the team physician for the University football program. "Doc Citty" was the natural choice. During his college sports career, he earned a combination of 10 athletic letters in football, basketball and track. He had served as captain of the football team in 1959 and 1960. His example of dedicated leadership in the competitive arenas made him an exemplary mentor for the athletes of his alma mater and resulted years later in his induction into the Harding University Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

The move to Searcy offered Citty unlimited seasons to serve, maximizing his skills and interests. In addition to his private practice in Family Medicine and Obstetrics at Searcy Medical Center, he expanded his role as team physician to include athletes at Harding Academy. He taught as an adjunct instructor for several years in the Harding University College of Nursing. He was the Chief Medical Officer for the Great Physician Clinic, an outreach to the underserved in the Searcy community. For 30 years, he traveled to Central America to lead medical mission teams to the San Blas Islands. His collective experiences made him an invaluable asset to numerous boards and volunteer organizations.

Dr. Citty knew the difference between a time to be silent and a time to speak. He was quick to listen to those who were troubled and reticent to speak until he understood the backstory to the issue. However, when he chose to speak, his voice was filled with resolve. His conclusions were based on the belief that what is right is always right. He was an unapologetic advocate for the sanctity of life. He spoke with conviction for Friends of Life, and he spoke persuasively about the travesty of abortion.

Jim Citty understood that there is a time to love. His love for God was indisputable, and he demonstrated it in his service as an elder at College Church of Christ and as a preacher and teacher of the Word. In 2019, Citty was honored as Harding University's Outstanding Alumnus, and at that time he said, "To love God and others, of course, are the two great commands. I believe in serving the sick and dying, you manifest to others what the love of God is all about. Though never done perfectly, it can be a great tool to draw others to Christ."

His love for his family spanned generations. He was married for 60 years to his wife, Maralyn Bailey Citty, and in an interview in 2019, he is quoted as saying, "Maralyn has always been the wind beneath my wings, and I would be nothing without her – I love her. My family has been an inspiration. I love them more than you can imagine – they are strong and faithful and have never given us one moment of concern for their spiritual safety."

As a physician, Doc Citty worked tirelessly to treat illnesses, to mend fractured bones and broken hearts. He delivered babies into this world and helped to transition the infirmed into the next one. He knew from the Psalmist that "the length of our days is 70 years or 80 if we have the strength." Just as there is a time to be born, he knew there would be a time to die. For Jimmy Charles Citty that time was May 23, 2022, one day short of his 83rd birthday.

Citty was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Sylvia Citty Bond and Cathie Binns Fox. He is survived by his wife, Maralyn, and four children: Kellee Citty Blickenstaff (Kyle), Kent Citty, Kris Citty (Jenny) and Kyle Citty (Camie). His grandchildren, who knew him as "Big Daddy," include Karli Blickenstaff Bradley (Ben); Kohl Blickenstaff (Anna); Kizzie, Jimmy, Jack Citty; Kage, Caroline, Calle and Claire Citty. He was great-grandfather to Beau Bradley. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Michael Binns (Kay).

Solomon reminded us that "God has made everything beautiful in its time," and the life of Jimmy Charles Citty is no exception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sunshine School of Searcy. 901 Airport Loop, Searcy, AR 72143

Visitation will be was Friday, May 27, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at the College Church of Christ in Searcy. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Huckeba Field House at Harding University in Searcy. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the White County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.

www.powellfuneralhome.net