John Rycraw, Jr.

Mr. John Rycraw, Jr. was a native of Beebe, Arkansas, born on April 30, 1941 to the late John Rycraw, Sr. and Deara Beard.  He was baptized at an early age; however, his relationship with the Lord developed more intimately in his latter years.

John attended White County Training School in Searcy, Arkansas, graduating in May 1959.  He was joined in marriage to Irene Patricia Chatman on December 27, 1963.  John worked various jobs before being drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served from 1963-1965.  Soon afterwards, John entered the corporate workplace when he was hired as a manager at Kellwood in Little Rock, Arkansas.  John was a hardworking man whose intelligence, training, and work ethics set him apart from other employees.  He would later be promoted as Distribution Manager of Kellwood Company in McComb, Mississippi.  That promotion broke barriers, as he was the first African American man to rank manager in that area.  John was fierce and strong, a man of great integrity.  Knowing the challenges he would be facing, John boldly accepted the promotion and successfully managed the plant.  He would later retire as a driver for Pilot.

John was well liked in his family, community, and workplace.  He was known as “Jitter,” “Jitter Bug,” and “Uncle Bug.”  Though he had five children, there were many other young men and women whom John mentored.  He was a stern and firm man, yet he had a big heart for people.  John was blessed with discernment to listen and hear what people were saying as well as what they were not saying.  He grew to be a quiet man with few but powerful words of wisdom.  He loved his family and friends.

Eternal rest was granted to Mr. John Rycraw, Jr. on Saturday, November 21, 2020.  Cherishing his loving memories are his children Kimberly Smith-Johnson (Howard) of Bloomington, IL, Johnetta Cooper (Walter-deceased) of Grand Prairie, TX, John Rycraw (LaKeesha) of Crowley, TX, and Jadarius Banks of Las Colinas, TX; 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; brother, Oliver Jackson of Little Rock, AR,  sisters Anita Robinson (Billie Jean-deceased) of Searcy, AR, Sally Honeycutt (Anthony) of Little Rock, AR, and a host in-laws, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Rycraw, Sr.; mother, Deara Beard; one son, Phillip Young; and two sisters, Lois “Totsie” Dupriest and Bernice Bradley.

A private funeral service will be held at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe, Arkansas, at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 28th.  Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home.  www.smithfamilycares.com