Mr. Jessie Lee Gist was born on April 30, 1955 to Mrs. Leola Westbrook Gist and Mr. Wilborn Gist.  He was affectionately nicknamed "Buck" by his family. On Friday, September 26, 2025, The Most High called Jessie Lee from labor to eternal rest.  Jessie was preceded in death by:  his parents: Mrs. Leola Westbrook Gist and Mr. Wilborn Gist, two brothers:  Tommy Lee Gist Ewing and Leo Gist, three sisters:  Jessie Mae Gist, Annie Mae Gist, and Lorean Gist.

Jessie was born and reared in Marianna Arkansas. He was a proud graduate of Lee High School, Class of 1976.

After graduation, Jessie worked for the forestry service and later became a Commercial Driver.  He was blessed to see several cities and states by driving long haul as a logistics professional.  Jessie was a Commercial Driver for over four and a half decades.  He loved driving and always exuded professionalism and dignity in his dealings with all he encountered.  He was a driver until August 2023.  His medical condition would no longer allow him to drive.

Jessie confessed a hope in Christ at an early age.  He was an active member and usher at St. John Baptist Church at Brickeys under the pastorship and leadership of Mr. Samuel T. Beason.  As he grew older, his relationship with The Almighty grew and flourished more.  He never was remiss to share about our Savior at family gatherings or wherever he had the opportunity to do so.

Jessie served on the board of directors for several years at Lee County Cooperative Clinic now named the Olly McNeal Clinic.  He received the distinguished, "Making the Difference Award".

Jessie loved his family, and he served as the patriarch of the family after the death of his father, Mr. Wilborn Gist in 2004.  He was never slack in offering advice to all of his family and friends.  He was a shrewd businessman, and he encouraged all to be diligent in handling financial matters.  Some of his hobbies included:  spending time with family, driving, fishing, hunting, serving as an usher, cooking, and giving advice.

Jessie had a plethora of friends and loved ones that spoke highly of him and his concern and well wishes of others.  He is an invaluable jewel that will forever be embedded in our hearts and precious memories.

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: his beloved wife of 28 years, Mrs. Joyce Gist (Hughes, AR), sisters: Izola Nichols (Chicago, IL)  and Emma Louise Leon (Wheatley, AR),  sons:  Tyrone Higgins (Fort Smith, AR), Terance Higgins (Dallas, TX), Gerald Reed (Newport, AR), Undra Golatt (Denver, CO), Rapheal Golatt (Hughes, AR), Derrick Golatt (Memphis, TN), Darius Toney (Dallas, TX),  Jesse Hill (West Memphis, AR), and Dontae Hill (Memphis, TN),  daughters:  Veleka Reed (Newport, AR), and Tiffany Cody (Marianna, AR),  bonus son, Joseph Gist (Mesquite, TX), bonus daughter, Francine Leon (Forrest City, AR) , brothers in love:  James Greer, Willie Greer, James E. Greer, Eddie Greer, and Leotis Greer, sisters in love:  Rosie Jackson, Ida Farmer, Earnestine Morris, Gloria Brown, Rose Greer, and Jeno James, over 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends:  Mr. Bobby Allison, Mr.  Robert Nash, Mr. Charlie Harrison, and Whiskey Island Hunting Club.