Gene Fletcher

Gene Fletcher, age 91, of Stuttgart, died on Monday, January 1, 2024. He was born in Tichnor, AR on November 27, 1932, to Thomas Jefferson and Ebrena Connor Fletcher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Willard Fletcher, Jefferson Junior Fletcher, Billy Tom Fletcher, Kenneth Earl Fletcher; sister Ann Lockwood; and sister-in-law, Linda Cover

He is survived by his wife, Leona Rose Place Fletcher; two daughters, Melanie Brentnell (Glenn) of Oklahoma City, OK and Melinda Collier (Brad) of Stuttgart; three granddaughters, Lauren Brentnell of Austin, Texas, Jillian Bell (Blake) of Conway, and Jordan Parker (Nathan) of Little Rock; two great grandchildren, Nina Grace Parker and Lucas Bell; two sisters, Wilma Cox of DeWitt and Linda Robinson of Stuttgart; one brother, Jimmy Dale Fletcher of DeWitt, two brothers-in-law, Scott Place (Karen) and John Cover of Gillett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After receiving his early education in Gillett, he received his high school diploma in 1953. Upon graduation, he attended Henderson State University where he was a member of the football and track team and earned a BSE degree in 1957. In 1959, he earned a MSE Degree in the education and administration field. He earned his certification in school administration at the University of Arkansas. His professional career was in the public school education field of coaching, principal, and superintendent of schools. In 1957, he began his coaching career in Arkadelphia, then in Siloam Springs, and Dollarway. He served a principal in the Dollarway, Malvern, and Searcy schools; Assistant Superintendent in the Malvern Schools; Superintendent of the Walnut Ridge Schools and the Jackson County School District in Tuckerman for a total of 10 years. In 1994, he retired after 37 years in the public school system. After retirement, he moved to his hometown of Gillett where he stayed for 11 years. Then he moved to Stuttgart to be closer to his grandkids. During all of his married life, he has been a faithful and active member of the United Methodist Church. He served on the Trustees and various leadership positions.

Funeral services will be Thursday, January 4, at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church in Stuttgart, AR at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at the Gillett Cemetery in Gillett, AR.

Memorials may be made to the Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, Gillett Methodist Church, or Gillett Cemetery.