James Robert Thacker, 92, of Danville, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, March 11 at three
o'clock in the afternoon. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 72 years, Jeanette (Kimbrough)
Thacker; a daughter, Deborah Thacker; a son, Roger Thacker (Billie Jo); a sister, Barbra Smith
(Euell); grandchildren Cheryl Davidson (James); Jeff Gillespie (Mandy); Lacey Thacker (Scott);
great-grandchildren Scott Gillespie (Meaghan); Monica Davidson (Joseph); Justin Gillespie;
Reese Davidson; Hong Davidson; Caroline Gillespie; and great-great grandchildren Saoirse
Davidson; and Shannon Davidson. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Malachiah and
Bettie; and siblings lost in infancy.
Robert was born in Danville on December 14, 1926 to Malachiah and Bettie (Carrouth) Thacker.
As a young person in the 30s and 40s, he would sometimes saddle his horse and be gone for
days, much to the chagrin of his mother. He joined the United States Navy at 17 years old and
served until the end of World War II. Afterwards, Robert returned to Danville, where he and
Jeanette married on March 29, 1947. The couple moved to Baytown, Texas, where he got a job
digging ditches at the Exxon refinery. He spent many years on the refinery's volunteer fire
department, and when he retired, two children and thirty-four and a half years later, Robert
was supervisor in charge of all roads in the refinery and could operate any piece of machinery
they put in front of him.
Upon returning to Danville in retirement, Robert put an "outcall toolbox" on the back of his
truck so he would be able to help community members in need, be it by repairing a sink,
checking on the homebound, or doing maintenance on his church. Of particular importance to
him was the First Baptist Church of Danville and the Dutch Creek Volunteer Fire Department,
which he was instrumental in starting.
Robert will be remembered for his commitment to his wife and family; his life spent in service
to others; his never-ending supply of stories; and his willingness to tell a joke.
Visitation will be from one to two o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, March 14 at the First
Baptist Church in Danville. Services will commence at two o'clock. Burial will occur directly after
at the Earl E. Ladd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Dutch
Creek Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Dennis Horn, 10179 Cheyenne Road, Danville, Arkansas,
72833.