J esse DeWayne (JD) Gathright, 63, passed away on January 17, 2021 in Felsenthal, Arkansas. He was born to Jay Dee Gathright and Bettye Jean Bowen on July 16, 1957 in Marion, Louisiana.  He proudly served as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1974 to 1980. He enjoyed fishing, riding his four-wheeler, and spending time sitting around a fire reminiscing with friends and family. Two of his greatest passions were rescuing animals and working on old cars, most often on 1950s Chevrolet trucks. Jesse rarely met a stranger, and could make any occasion a happy one. He was most at home riding the backwoods or out on the river listening to rock and roll.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Billy Terrell Gathright as well as his maternal grandparents, Hugh and Maggie Bowen; and his paternal grandparents, Daucy and Bessie Gathright.

He is survived by his parents, four children; Jessica Gathright and Felipe Crump of New Bern, North Carolina, Leida Webber and Clinton Rouse of New Bern, North Carolina, Dalton Gathright and his fiancée Niki Meissner of Alaska, and Harleigh Gathright and her fiancé Bradley Summerville of Memphis, Tennessee; nine grandchildren Taylor Hill, Jody Wilson, Felisha Wilson, and Jaylssa Wilson, Tyler Webber, Lili Webber, and Bella Webber, Rylan and Samarra Gathright; three siblings Deborah Ann Gathright of Huttig, Arkansas, Sarah Louise Gathright and her fiancé Juan Marquez of Lawson, Arkansas, and Stanley Gathright and his fiancée Elizabeth Coke of Farmerville, Louisiana; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Perry's Funeral Chapels in El Dorado, Arkansas. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Edwards Cemetery in Marion, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations for funeral expenses be made. Contact Perry's Funeral Chapels for information on ways to donate.

Rest easy now, Rattler.