Jacky F. Dunn, D.O.

Jacky F. Dunn, D.O., 74, of Russellville, Arkansas passed away on August 10, 2022 at Conway Regional Hospital in Conway, Arkansas.  He was preceded by his loving parents, Fred and Hazel (Reynolds) Dunn, his sister, Gwendolyn Hopper, and his granddaughter, Sarah Faith Starek.

He was born September 26, 1947 in Lamesa, Texas to Fred and Hazel (Reynolds) Dunn. He attended Dimmitt High School in Dimmitt, Texas and played his beloved sport, basketball.  Along with many of his dear, lifelong friends, he was a member of the Dimmitt High School’s 1965 Texas State Championship team.

He completed his undergraduate degree at the East Texas State University. As a freshman in college, he was dubbed Texas’ youngest DJ and was thrilled to introduce his listeners to hot bands like The Monkees and the Beach Boys.  He attended the Kansas City School of Osteopathic Medicine where he received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.  He was a physician for 49 years serving in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.  His kind and gentle nature made him a beloved doctor, colleague, and friend.  He was a Captain in the United States Army and served as flight surgeon for a number of years.  Additionally, he was in private practice seeing patients in his clinic and in their homes.  He was known in those years for carrying his black physician’s bag and stethoscope.  For much of his career, however, he was the calm Emergency Room doctor in the face of sickness, distraught or difficult times for his patients. 

In the fall of 2011 Dr. Dunn spearheaded the campaign to create passing zones on AR Hwy 27 from Dardanelle to Danville. As the attending physician for so many patients who were injured in accidents on AR Hwy 27, he petitioned the state to widen the road and develop passing zones to minimize the number of collisions and help our state’s citizens travel safely between Dardanelle and Danville.

He loved fast cars, airplanes and his horses, but most of all, he loved his family.  He loved attending events for his kids and grandkids—cheering them on, giving them pep talks, teaching them about life, and telling them, “You can do it!” and “I believe in you!”  He rarely missed events no matter the distance between them all.  He cherished special times together often planning whole family events where we could all gather to catch up.  His grandchildren loved his art camps, cookouts, camping and Thanksgivings with the “bump and jump.”  His greatest joys included his children and grandchildren knowing and serving Jesus.

Jacky is survived by his wife, Beth Vincent Dunn, and his children, Cheryl Starek and her husband, Rob Starek of Rogers, Arkansas and their children, Emily Grace, Avery Olivia and Seth “Will” Wilson Starek; Dondi Nix and her husband, Sean Nix of Bentonville, Arkansas and their children, Colby Mathis of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Jacob , Jeremiah, Holly, Cooper, Ainsley and Addison; Damon and Jenni (Hutton) Dunn of Barling, Arkansas and their children, Ethan and Kayleigh; Ashley Stoecker and her husband, Chad Stoecker and their children, Abigail, Benjamin and Samuel; Randi Gamble and her husband, Eric Gamble of Pottsville, Arkansas and their children, Alexander, Maximus, Tiberius, Ryker, and Aurora; Hope Fry and her husband, Marcus Fry of Bradford, AR, and their children, Dylan Deavours, Lucy, and Mason; Jonathan Timmons of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jeremy Timmons of Russellville, Arkansas, and his children, Carter and Riley; Rebecah Conn of Russellville Arkansas, and her children; John and Penelope; Ryan Timmons and his wife, Dawn (Thomen) of Pottsville Arkansas, and their daughter, Scarlett Beth. He is also survived by his sister, Esta Carolyn Dunn of Leander, Texas and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established at the new Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, AR.  He was thrilled to support this new school in helping our nation’s brightest students achieve their goal of becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine.  Donations can be made in his honor. Memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education 7000 Chad Colley Blvd. Ft. Smith, AR 72902 or by email Giving@achehealth.edu

Family will greet friends from 9-10 am Friday, August 19 at Victory Missionary Baptist Church located at 517 Reasoner Road Russellville, AR. The funeral will immediately follow at 10:00 am at Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Russellville, AR.  Internment with military honors will be at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral.  

Online guestbook and obituary are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.