Jess Bucy, 93, of Searcy, Ark., passed away April 2, 2024 in Searcy.

He was born on October 29, 1930, in Rector,Ark., and was the son of Guy and Ethel (McKeel) Bucy.

Jess grew up on a farm in Rector. He attended Arkansas State and played basketball and baseball. After his junior year, he signed a contract with the Detroit Tigers. He played centerfield 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.

Jess was a man of faith and attended Fifth 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, educator, and a coach Jess has influenced the lives of countless young people.

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 stepgrandson, 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 was held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Fifth and Pine Church of Christ in Rector. Funeral services followed beginning at 2:30 p.m. Interment was at Woodland Heights Cemetery, at 3:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., at College Church of Christ in Searcy. Visitation was held prior, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements were entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.www.powellfuneralhome.net