Jerry Dean Villines, 72, of Bella Vista Arkansas, was born July 23, 1949, in Harrison, Arkansas.  He left this world on August 27, 2021.  He was preceded in death by his parents Jess Willard Villines, Sr. and Alpha Lorena [Wood] Villines.  He was also preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents, James W. Villines and Cornelia [Watson] Villines and maternal grandparents William Franklin Wood and Loretta [Carlton] Wood.  The fourth child of five, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jolene [Villines] Crawford and his brother, Jess Willard ("Dub") Villines, Jr.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Sherry [Dixon] Villines and his adored daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth Villines, both of Bella Vista.  His surviving brothers are his older brother, James F. (Sandy) Villines of Harlingen, Texas, and his twin brother, Terry G. Villines of Ft. Smith.  A dear cousin, Virginia Clay of Blue Springs, Missouri, and his sisters-in-law, Deb Dixon of Little Rock and Darla Dixon of Hot Springs also survive him.  Jerry enjoyed a close-knit circle of loved ones including his nephews, their families with grandnieces and grandnephews whom he treasured, extended family and friends from all phases of his life.

Jerry served in the US Army for eight years with tours of duty in the Republic of South Viet Nam, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and the Pentagon in Washington DC.  He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.  Following graduation, he and Sherry moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where they lived for 33 years.  Jerry worked in the field of accounting.   During those years, he was overjoyed upon Rebecca's arrival.  Retiring in 2014, Jerry, Sherry and Rebecca moved to Arkansas.

Jerry and Sherry shared a passion for travel.  Jerry's sense of exploration was enriched by a deep-rooted interest in history and geography.  However, his greatest joy in life was family and friends.  His sense of humor and good cheer was welcoming to all.  Nothing gave him more pleasure than the fun and laughter of times together.

Charities that were important to him are the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas and Circle of Life Hospice.  Arrangements for a memorial service, when finalized, will be posted.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.