Gerald "Jerry" Kuykendall

Gerald  "Jerry" O. Kuykendall,  76, of Gravel Ridge passed peacefully at home on June 6, 2024.    Jerry was born in Detroit, Michigan, and relocated to what is now Gravel Ridge when he was a toddler.   Jerry founded and operated Kuykendall Cement Corporation since its inception alongside his father, mother, and older brother.      He was a 1967 graduate of Sylvan Hills High School and spent his life dedicated to the community he helped build from his youth.   He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served from 1968 to 1974.   Jerry was a prolific designer of safe rooms and storm cellars, often sketching them on napkins and spare pieces of paper, and his original designs or variations are being used nationwide to this day.   Jerry also built and installed thousands of units over the years throughout Arkansas, where he had turned placement of units for maximum protection into an art form.   Jerry spent his spare time on his beloved Buffalo River, beautifying his home and yard, driving his cherished Mustang (or Corvette depending on the year) and cheering for his Arkansas Razorback football team who gave him many favorite memories but none as special as his oldest grandson earning a spot to play for the team.    

Anyone who visited his office could see a lifetime of memories on the walls of his family.  He proudly displayed his grandchildren and would tell you of their latest accomplishments, from college graduations, high school football or volleyball games, horse shows, military service, or just simple things as growing an inch, he was happy to share.     His grandchildren knew him as the person mostly likely to spot a “bug” on their favorite food and snatch a bite, the guy with the big hugs, the supplier of their favorite ginger ale “Vernors”, and the hardest working man ever.   He could be occasionally spotted in the stands cheering for one of them, watching school plays, or graduations.  

He is preceded in death by his wife, Emma, his parents, O.G. & Cara Elizabeth Kuykendall, and brother Larry R. Kuykendall.  He is survived by his children, Beth (Bruce), Justin (Alethea); his grandchildren Brad, Jacob (Mia), Emma Kris, Kayla (John), Allison (Garrett), Jaron, Kelsie-Moire, Madison, and Charles Wyatt, Kooper and Kenzie;  and his great-grand- children     Patrick, James Reed, Wyatt, Atticus, Cayde, Chandler, Beau and JB.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Gravel Ridge Cemetery.