Gerald "Jerry" Joe Musick's Obituary
Gerald (Jerry) Musick, 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on May 24, 1940, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Arlie and Leona Musick, Jerry was raised on the family's small farm east of Perry, Oklahoma. As the oldest of six children, he learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and service—qualities that would guide him throughout his life.
He graduated from high school in 1958 before attending Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1962. That same year, he married the love of his life, Florene Thompson. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, education, and service.
Soon after their marriage, the couple moved to Ames, Iowa, where he accepted a graduate research position at Iowa State University. While working on his master’s degree, his first daughter was born. He completed his Master of Science degree in February 1964. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Columbia, Missouri, where he joined the University of Missouri as an Instructor of Entomology while pursuing his doctoral studies. He earned his Ph.D. in Entomology in May 1969.
Following graduation, the family relocated to Wooster, Ohio, where he became an Assistant Professor of Entomology with The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. A couple years later their second daughter was born.
In 1976, the family moved to Tifton, Georgia, where he accepted the position of Head of the Department of Entomology and Fisheries and Associate Professor of Entomology at the University of Georgia's Coastal Plain Experiment Station.
A few years later, Jerry accepted the position of Head of the Department of Entomology and Professor of Entomology at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. His exceptional leadership and dedication to agricultural education led to his appointment in 1987 as Dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and Vice President for Agriculture Research. Throughout his distinguished career, he mentored countless students and faculty, championed agricultural research, and helped shape the future of agriculture in Arkansas and beyond. He retired in 2002 after a remarkable career devoted to education, research, and public service.
While his professional accomplishments were many, Jerry considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He delighted in spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their achievements and creating treasured memories together. In his free time, he found great satisfaction in landscaping his yard, always taking pride in creating a beautiful outdoor space, and enjoyed many hours on the golf course.
His faith was an important part of his life, and he devoted countless hours to serving his church. Over the years, he faithfully served on the church council, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served on numerous committees, helped livestream worship services, and dedicated many hours to maintaining the church's website. Whether leading, teaching, or quietly working behind the scenes, he generously shared his time and talents to strengthen his church family and further God's work.
His wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his daughters, Linda Kaye Caviness and her husband, Ron, Mary Lou Gates and her husband, Chris; his cherished grandchildren, Reagan Brown and her husband, Kolby, Cameron Gates, Emma Caviness, Faith Caviness, and Ella Gates; his treasured great-grandchildren, Karter Brown and Charlie Brown; and his siblings, Sandy Little and her husband, Jim, Roger Musick and his wife, Debi, Craig Musick and his wife, Susan, and Kim Hefley. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and students whose lives were enriched by his mentorship and friendship.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florene Musick; his son, Randall Scott Musick, his parents, Arlie and Leona Musick; and his sister, Joan Curtis.
Jerry will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, respected educator, visionary leader, and humble servant. His life was marked by integrity, generosity, intellectual curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly and through the countless students, researchers, and colleagues whose lives he influenced throughout his distinguished career.
The family is grateful for the many expressions of love, prayers, and support during this time. If you wish to honor Jerry, please make memorial contributions to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2901 E. Zion Rd, Suite 17, Fayetteville, AR 72703.
A visitation will be held from 5:00PM – 7:00PM on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be at 2:00PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fayetteville.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald "Jerry"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald "Jerry"?
Share a story where Gerald "Jerry"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald "Jerry" you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald "Jerry" make you smile?