Jimmy Marcus Kendall, 76 of Nashville, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011 surrounded by his daughters in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He was born to the late Marvin L. and Ruth Kendall on December 24, 1934 in Gladewater Gregg County, Texas. Jimmy graduated from Gladewater High School in 1953 and studied engineering at Kilgore College. He married his college sweetheart, Peggy Ann Haigwood on September 26, 1955. They moved to Marshall, Texas where Jimmy began his engineering career with Thiokol Corporation/Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant in Karnack, Texas. After Approximately 15 years with Thiokol, he worked for Lewis Engineering Company in Marshall briefly then moved on to Beaird Poulan Chainsaws in Shreveport, Louisiana. 10 years later, the manufacturing plant was moved to Nashville, Arkansas; after working 5 years for Joy Manufacturing Company in Marshall, Texas Jimmy followed. He retired from Poulan Weedeater/Emerson Electric in 2006 as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer.

Jimmy was an active member of Ridgeway Baptist Church serving as a Deacon, choir member and served on various committees. In previous years, he served as Music Director and Deacon at Grange Hall Baptist Church, Marshall, Texas and Deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville. He also was a member of the Gideons International Association for many years.

His interest included bowling, gardening, and golfing. He was an avid reader and loved gospel singings. Nearing perfection, he bowled a 299 game in league play. He was a practicing gun smith for many years. He loved talking to people, never meeting a stranger. Jimmy also volunteered at the Elberta Arts Center in Nashville.

Jimmy is survived by his daughters, Deborah Lee of Kilgore, Texas; Margaret and son-in-law, Bill Pearson of Temple, Texas; Janet and son-in-law, Gerald Freeman of Lufkin, Texas. Three grandchildren, Heather Brown and husband Justin; Kristopher King and wife Ashley; and Joshua Pearson, three great grandchildren, Keeley Brown, Baron Brown and Kaesyn King, with a fourth on the way. He is also survived by his special friend, Glenda Stuart of Prescott, Arkansas; an aunt and several cousins.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 2 pm. at Ridgeway Baptist Church in Nashville with Reverend Larry Sherman and Reverend Glen Green officiating. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 1:30 pm. at the Gladewater Memorial Cemetery in Gladewater, Texas. The family will welcome friends and loved ones Monday, November 14, 2011 from 6:30 - 8;30 pm. at the Nashville Funeral Home and Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 10:30 – 11:30 am. at the Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas.