Jesse Gene Bucy

Someone once wrote “In many ways, the life of Jess Bucy reads as if it could have come from a storybook. Raised in the rural South, he was a star high school athlete who signed a professional sports contract, married the girl next door (literally), and found a fulfilling career in coaching…” Jess grew up on a farm in Rector, Arkansas. His family moved to town when he was in high school. Jess attended Arkansas State and played basketball and baseball. After his junior year, he signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers. He played center field for more than three years in their minor league teams. When he began having problems with his eyes, he returned to Rector and began coaching basketball. He had a successful coaching career there and then at Harding College/University. Sue Carol Long’s family moved next door to Jess’s family the summer he graduated from high school. They were married three years later. Jess was a man of faith and attended 5th and Pine Church of Christ in Rector and the College Church of Christ in Searcy. He served as an elder while attending each of those congregations. As a Christian leader, a teacher, and a coach Jess has influenced the lives of countless young people. Just as a pebble’s waves continue across the surface of water, Jess’s positive influence will continue to grow. Jess was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Ethel McKeel Bucy; his wife, Sue Bucy; a daughter, Beverly Bucy Frizzell; and a grandson, Robert Knight. Survivors include a daughter, Carol Bucy Knight; a grandson, Jonathan Knight; two step-granddaughters, Jena Estes (Troy) and Jamie Hedden (Kevin); a step-grandson, Terry Wayne Frizzell (Teri); numerous extended family members and special friend, Billie Finley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Home, 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450 or Rector High School Sports Hall of Fame, 1703 Loberg Lane, Jonesboro, AR 72401. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 1:00pm – 2:30pm, at 5th and Pine Church of Christ in Rector, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow beginning at 2:30pm. Interment will take place at Woodland Heights Cemetery, at 3:30pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 2:30pm, at College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas. Visitation will be held prior, beginning at 1:00pm. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Jesse Gene Bucy

October 29, 1930 - April 2, 2024