Forrest Jackson Dunlap

Forrest Jackson Dunlap passed away at his Heber Springs home on July 14, 2008.

Forrest Jackson Dunlap was born on May 6, 1926, near Cypress Ridge (Monroe County) to Thomas Sanford Dunlap and Lizzie Mae Grisham Dunlap. He was schooled in the Monroe County and Brinkley public schools. He assumed the running of the family farm upon his father's death in 1943.

In 1944 he was drafted into the Army, left the family farm, and served as a combat infantryman in the 32nd Infantry Division. Mr. Dunlap participated in the landings that led to the liberation of the Philippine Islands. Afterwards, he served in the occupation of the Japanese Islands. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and other various campaign ribbons. He was instrumental in the construction of a civilian church in Japan following the bombing destruction.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jenise Hugueley Dunlap of Heber Springs, and sister Idell Graham of Charleston, S.C. Four children, Joyce Lynn Beckham of Heber Springs, Jack Dunlap of Lilburn, Ga., Steve Dunlap of Jupiter Fla., and Richard Dunlap of Conway also survive. Mr. Dunlap has 10 grandchildren, Jenni Brand, Bo Beckham, Aimee Dunlap-Lehtila, Emily Flanigan, Trey Dunlap, Michael Dunlap, Anna Laura Dunlap, Lydia Dunlap, Thomas Dunlap and Mary Dunlap. Mr. Dunlap also leaves six great-grandchildren.

Forrest began his career with Exxon Corp in 1947, and at his retirement in 1986 was the eastern U.S. marketing/training director. Mr. Dunlap was dedicated to church and community service. He was a Mason, active in the Lions Club, Jaycees and other community organizations. He was on the board of trustees of the Methodist Health Systems in Memphis and lay leader in the United Methodist Church, taught Bible studies, and organized several medical and mission trips to Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Latvia.

During the Christmas 1988 flood and tornado disasters in West Memphis, Mr. Dunlap was asked by the mayor to organize the relief efforts and coordinate nationwide donations. For this effort, Mr. Dunlap was named by President Bush to be one of the 1988 "1,000 Points of Light," which honored those who exemplified community service nationwide. He was also involved in the Emmaus Community in Arkansas.

Forrest Dunlap was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather. He served as a mentor and role model and he touched the lives of many persons by teaching from the heart. He served his family, community, nation and God. Mr. Dunlap will be greatly missed. We know he has been told, "job well done" and heaven is rejoicing.

Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, Heber Springs, or Mount Eagle Christian Center, Clinton.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs. Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion.

Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway.

Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.