of Little Rock, AR
November 29, 1935 - June 10, 2023
Jerry Robert Gusewelle, 87, of Little Rock departed this life on Saturday, June 10, 2023. He was born on November 29th, 1935 in Trenton, Missouri to Vern Robert Gusewelle and wife, Jessie. He was raised from age 4 in Little Rock, Arkansas, attending Little Rock Senior High School, where he was chosen to attend Arkansas Boys' State. After graduation from high school in 1953, he attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, participating in Air Force ROTC and playing trumpet in the Razorback Band. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. While in college, he had the good fortune to meet Mary Sue Jackson, who would be his wife and partner for the next 63 years. Jerry and Mary Sue married June 3rd, 1956 while still students at the U of A.
Upon graduation with a BA in Business Administration in 1957, Jerry followed in his father's footsteps, going to work for JC Penney's. They relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he trained for management. During their time in Shreveport, Mary Sue gave birth to their three sons, Dennis, David and Tommy. In 1964, the Gusewelle family relocated to Irving, Texas, where Jerry would become the JC Penney's assistant store manager. During their time in Irving, Mary Sue gave birth to their fourth child, Mary Ann. Jerry's first store as general manager was in downtown San Antonio, Texas where the family lived in 1972-1973. After a year in San Antonio, he was promoted to the JC Penney's District Staff in the Dallas/Fort Worth region and relocated back to Irving.
As a District Manager, he oversaw the operations of stores in the region, including Northeast Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Southern Missouri and Northern Louisiana. In Arkansas, he was instrumental in opening stores in El Dorado, Russellville and Pine Bluff. He was especially proud of opening the store in Harrison, Arkansas, because he convinced the corporate office that a Penney's store would profit there. He practically put his career on the line for a store that-despite skepticism from higher up--he believed in. In 1980, he was sent to open the new store in Wichita, Kansas.
By this time, the three boys had graduated high school and were attending college at the University of Arkansas. After the successful opening of the Wichita store, Jerry was transferred to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he would become General Manager of the University Mall Penney's store, which was the biggest store in the state. This was personal to Jerry, because his father was the Penney's store manager in Little Rock for 18 years. By this time, Jerry had become involved in many civic, business and charitable organizations. He served on the board of directors of the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce from 1986 to 1988 and again in 1993. In 1985, he was Chairman of the Board of the Better Business Bureau of Arkansas, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Arkansas Retail Merchants Association (1985-1986). In the years 1987-1988, he was President of the Little Rock Downtown Kiwanis Club. From 1989 to 1994, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Medical System Foundation.
In 1990, he was Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Pulaski County and in 1995, charter member Board Emeritus. He served from 1994 to 1995 as Chairman of the Board of the Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association. He was also a board member of the College of Business Administration at the University of Arkansas. He was a prolific fundraiser for the Arkansas Repertory Theater. His many civic activities earned him a feature in the Arkansas Democrat's High Profile in 1987. In 1995, Jerry retired from JC Penney's, and remained a citizen of Little Rock with his wife, Mary Sue. His three boys all graduated from the University of Arkansas and his daughter graduated from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas.
Jerry was a scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts during his years living in Texas, accompanying his sons through the program from 1970 to 1975, ultimately receiving the Silver Beaver award. He was an avid hunter and fisherman all his life and especially looked forward to the annual Buffalo River float, which reunited him with his sons for an afternoon of fishing, rowing and relaxation. He was a huge Razorback fan. During his entire adult life, Jerry was deeply involved in the Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue and his daughter, Mary. They attended Little Rock Second Baptist Church, where he was a deacon. Jerry is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis (Laura), David (Angie) and Tommy (Delores); six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 17, 2023 with a funeral service following at 12 noon.
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9 Condolence(s)
Lindsey Lorence
Saturday, June 24, 2023
I was so saddened to see “Mr. Jerry’s†obituary at Brookdale this weekend. My mother lives there, and I spoke to him often. He was always cheerful and happy. We often talked about the birds out on the porch, and the beautiful sky the Lord provided us each day to admire. Everyday was a great day, and I told him on more than one occasion that he inspired me. He is a wonderful soul, and I will sure miss him. He made it home.
Larry Walck
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
My sympathy and prayers go out to Jerry's family. I still have enormous respect for Mr. Gusewelle and admire that he opened his home for our JCP District Staff during a visitation in the early 1980s.
Bob Lamberty
Monday, June 19, 2023
I knew your Dad from various district and regional meetings. He was a straight shooter, gave good input and represented the Penney ideal well.
Jay Cook
Saturday, June 17, 2023
I need to aplogize for not being there for the service today: I mistakenly went to Roller Chenal and when I realized my mistake and looked up the funeral home on I-30, it was too late.
I want all of you guys to know what your dad meant to me. I spent 10 years with him and after we got "comfortable" with each other, we became friends. We traveled a LOT together. He talked about you all non-stop. He was very proud of each of you and Mary Ann. He taught me a lot and went to bat for me several times. One night I went to the house out in the valley ready to quit because I thought I was not getting promoted fast enough. Jerry just listened and told me he was doing his best to get me a store, and that he would send our DM to see me that week. Sure enough, Jim Heinrichs showed up that week and we talked a lot. I didn't feel too good, but about 6 months later, your father and I were in Shreveport getting ready for a district .meeting. Jerry stuck his head in the conference and Said, Jim wants to see you in his office"! I gulped and followed your father into the office and Jim said, "how would you like to go to Hot Springs as manager?? I looked at your dad and he just grinned! He and Jim had waited on the best deal for me! Once or twice a week, Jerry would come into my office and say, "let's get lunch." He took me all over Little Rock, to Mexican places, out to Scott for a huge burger, and other places. He seemed to know everyone in the county. One day we were downtown at the park on the river and Bill Clinton along with Chelsea (who was just a child at the time) came walking by, saw your dad and stopped and said, "Hi Jerry!" He introduced me to the Governor and I thought He really does know everybody in the county! We had a great friendship and I will always be grateful for that time we had yogether. He will be missed!
Rebecca Cowling
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Your Mom and DD were two very special people. They made all feel loved and special.
I will not be able to attend Jerry’s service.
Please know how very much we loved Jerry and Mary Sue and your sister Mary.
I am covering your families in healing prayers for peace and comfort.
Brenda McDougal
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Jerry lived an amazing life. He was always smiling and was such an accomplished gentleman.
I met him, Mary Sue, and Mary when I worked for Dr. Richard Dixon. Richard and Jerry were classmates and were both involved with Boy Scouts.
I do pray that Richard and Jerry are now reunited in Heaven and with Mary Sue and Mary. What a wonderful moment that will be.
I pray that The Holy Spirit will comfort Jerry’s sons and their families.
Jeff Whitlow
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
It was sad to hear of Jerry’s passing today - unfortunately we will miss his visitation and funeral, due to our being at Camp Daniel Boone Scout Reservation in NC & I know Jerry wouldn’t expect us to be anywhere else! Jerry was a blessing to all who knew him and absolutely loved sharing his wealth of experience with others. He was blessed with the gift of gab and we always loved hearing his fantastic stories - especially of floating the Buffalo River and Boy Scout adventures and antics. Jerry helped me get one of my first jobs (at Penny’s) and was always a shining example of punctuality, professionalism, and pride in whatever he was doing. Both of my sons enjoyed Jerry’s contagious positivity especially swapping Scout tales. Jerry attended my oldest son’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor and made a point to share with Connor his encouragement and commitment to him to live (as Jerry exemplified) honorably do his best, do his duty to God and his Country, to help other people at all times, to keep himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. We will miss Mr. Jerry for now, but know that we will see him again.
Katie Walden
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
There is no one like Jerry Gusewelle! He welcomed up with open arms when we started attending 2bc downtown in 2010. Jerry always had a smile and a story and we were so thankful that we shared our love for the Razorbacks and being Razorback band alumni with him. Thank God for Jerry and his kind heart! He was a blessing to his family, his church, and all he encountered. Go HOGS!
Donna & Doyle Dillahunty
Monday, June 12, 2023
Jerry was a good man and friend with a ready smile. We got to know he and Mary Sue at Little Rock’s First Baptist Church. Loved going through daughter Marys’ check out line at Cantrell Krogers and keeping up with the family through her.