1948-2026
Jerry Wayne Starnes, 77, of Lake Village, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. He was born on October 27, 1948, to the late J.W. and Reba Starnes.
Jerry graduated from McGehee High School and later attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He proudly served his country in the United States National Guard for 21 years, including 15 years of active duty. Jerry dedicated much of his professional life to serving his community. He worked for 14 years at First Service Bank in Dermott and for three years at Union Bank as an internal auditor. He also worked for nine years at Safeway Grocery. Called to ministry, Jerry faithfully pastored several churches throughout southeast Arkansas, including Richland Baptist Church at Watson, Ebenezer Baptist at Warren, Greenhill Baptist Church at, Dermott Baptist Church, Tillar Baptist Church, and Kelso Baptist Church. He also served three years as Associational Missionary and three years with the Delta Baptist Association. Jerry loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He will be remembered for his faithful service, his dedication to his community, and his love for family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Jerry is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Golden Starnes; his son, John( Crystal) Starnes of McGehee, AR; his daughter, Stephanie Jo Starnes Schwartz, of New Orleans, LA; His brothers Harry (Sara) G. Starnes, of Conway, AR and Kenneth (Sandra) E Starnes. Of Little Rock, AR; His sisters, Barbara (Harold) Beedle, of McGehee, AR and Allison (Bruce) Tilley of Fort Worth, TX; and his grandchildren, Austin Starnes, Zev Starnes Schwartz, Carter Hawkins, and Cara Grace Hawkins.
The family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate and to Bellaire Baptist Church where donations can be sent to: 2596 US-65, Dermott, AR 71638.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bellaire Baptist Church. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at McGehee Cemetery.
Arrangements made by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee, AR.
