of Batesville, AR
March 30, 1934 - November 6, 2016
Gerald Morris Talley (Captain, retired), 82, of Batesville passed away in his sleep on Sunday, November 6.
He was born on March 30, 1934, in Batesville, the son of Frank and Lela Thompson Talley.
He served in the military for 43 years in the Arkansas National Guard and in the regular U.S. Army, retiring as a captain. During part of that time, he served as company commander for Company B in Batesville. He worked for many years at several newspapers, including the Batesville Guard and the Arkansas Gazette. He served as
a deacon for Temple Baptist Church in Searcy, Arkansas for many years. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Blue Lodge in Searcy.
He married the love of his life, Ritta Turner, in 1958, and they thrived together for 58 years and five months. He always said he knew he would marry her from the first time he saw her. His most lasting impact was as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, caretaker of injured and sick family, and loyal friend. He taught generations to play cards, eat ice cream, throw a Frisbee, and laugh. He was famous for handing out gold dollar coins to all his grandchildren and telling hilarious mixed up fairy tales.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, four sisters, a sister-in-law, and five brothers-in-law.
His survivors include his loving wife, Ritta Talley; daughter Suzanne Bufford and her husband, Lynn, of Pangburn; sons, Joey Talley and Brandy Hall of Batesville, and Terry Talley and his wife, Michelle, of Conway; his brother, Joe Talley, of Lawton, OK; his sister, Sara Thompson, of West Memphis; grandchildren, David ''Drew'' Talley of Fort Worth, Joshua Talley of Sherwood, Sara Talley of Sherwood, Ethan Talley of Conway, Joseph ''Ben'' Bufford of Pangburn, and Sydney Talley of Conway; one great-grandchild Adelaide; and 13 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also loved and survived by dozens of friends. We will all miss him.
Pallbearers will be Bob Alkire, Kenny Covington, Dean Wallis, Dewey Ghent, Winford Williams, and Roger Harris. Honorary pallbearers are Gloria Shadrick, Ann Turley, Bill and Kathy Anderson, Mary Alkire, Bea Turner, James Hodge and Myra Kendall.
The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home Chapel in Batesville with Bro. Joe Clements, Bro. Jeff Thomas, and Steve Coop. Music will be provided by Bob Alkire, Dewey Ghent, James Kitts, Crawford Kitts, and Shirley Manning. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service.
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville
Extending my condolences to the Talley family
Rita and family. I am so sorry to hear about Gerald. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ritta, I am so sorry to read about Gerald's death. I am, however, so glad that you were able to get moved to Batesville before his death. You two were so nice to work with during your move and I enjoyed your friendship. My prayers are with you and the family during this sad time.
Prayers for you and your family. Mr. Gerald was a great example of a Christian man. My thoughts are with you sweet Mrs. Rita and Susie. Love you and your family.
Praying for each and everyone of you all. Mr. Gerald was a great man.
Rita so sorry for your loss. Gerald was one of my favorite people. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers . Love you.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be.
So He put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me".
Sweet memories will not be forgotten!​
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‌Beyond the pearly gates of heaven
is such beauty to behold
The sky is clear as crystal
The walks are paved with gold....
A rainbow stretches overhead
Sweet cherubs fill the sky
Angels are singing and church bells ringing
There is no need of moon or stars
For everything is so bright
For all who dwell within this land
Are bathed in Holy Light.
It is like millions of brilliant prisms in the sun
That beamed a colored hue all over everywhere…
It's an Amazing place where the Lord will show you his hands and the scars where he was nailed to the cross to save you from your sins so you could enter this beautiful place to live your life ever after…
Ritta & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our prayers.
Uncle Gerald I have such fun childhood memories of you! Without your love for a annoying little girl I would never have learned the Bunny Hop! Will miss you until we meet again. Lovei Linda
P.S you were my Mommas favorite!!
Love and prayers for the family.
Aunt Rita you are so special!!
Terry and Family - we were saddened to hear of your loss. Thinking about all of you and know you will miss your dad and husband. Our condolences to you all.
Rita, Terry,Suzanne,Joe. So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Have many great memories of the good times we had together in Little Rock. Keith Hildreth