Jasper William "Jay" Deere, 86, of Benton, with his family by his side, was called to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior on August 11, 2023. He was born October 25, 1936, in Malvern, Arkansas, to the late Reuben and Mildred (Carver) Deere.

Jay was proceeded in death by two sisters: Clara Jean Deere and Mary Evelyn House.

A graduate of Glen Rose High School and the University of Arkansas College of Engineering, Jay worked at Alcoa for over 32 years, including two stints in Suriname, South America, as production manager. He was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Mechanical Engineers in 1989.

Living much of his life in Benton, Jay was active in his community and a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church, serving on numerous committees. Jay was a longtime member of the Optimist Club and active in the baseball program where he joined 15 other colleagues to borrow funds to build Bernard Holland Park. He was also one of the founding members of the Future Panther football program and served on the Board of the Saline County Boys and Girls Club, as well as the Saline County Razorbacks Club. In addition to being active in local sports organizations, Jay volunteered for Churches Joint Council on Human Needs (CJCOHN).

From 1979 to 1981, Jay was Chairman of the Citizens Utility Board for the City of Benton, and he was recognized as the Saline County Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1980.

A man who had a big heart, cared deeply about his loved ones, and was a loyal Razorbacks fan, Jay enjoyed spending time with his family and friends more than anything. He and his wife, Mary, loved to play golf and travel. They were fortunate to have visited numerous places across the United States and countries around the world.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Helen (Love) Deere of Benton and two sons, Ron (LuAnn) Deere of Conway and Steve (Vicki) Deere of Benton; five grandchildren: Brad (Christy) Norwood of Springdale, Jason (Luci) Deere of Tyler, Texas, Judd Deere of Little Rock, Clara (Logan) Deere Distefano of Benton, and Michael Deere of Conway, and five great grandchildren: Brycen, Braxton, and Blair Norwood of Springdale and Vivian and Rosemary Deere of Tyler, Texas. He is also survived by sisters Patricia Sullivan of Malvern and Janie Yates of Benton, and a brother Reuben "Buck" (Peggy) Deere of Maumelle along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Benton on Wednesday, August 16 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Keith Dodson officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.

A visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church in Benton on Tuesday, August 15 from 6-8 p.m.

Pallbearers for Jay will be his four grandsons, grandson in-law, and neighbor and friend Ronny McMahan. Honorary Pallbearers will be longtime friends Don Sims, Dub Cooper, and Darrell Hawthorne.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton or CJCOHN.

Arrangements are being handled by Ashby Funeral Home, 108 W. Narroway, Benton, Arkansas. Ashbyfuneralhome.com.