Jerry Lee Hitt - Rogers

Wednesday, June 26, 2002

Jerry Lee Hitt, 56, of Rogers died Friday, June 14, 2002, in a boating accident on the White River near Calico Rock.

He was born March 23, 1946, in St. Clair Shores, Mich., to Grover Hitt and Mary Rose Hitt.

Dr. Hitt graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock in 1970 then completed his internship at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a member of the American Board of Family Practice and is a current Diplomat. He is also a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Known to all as "Doc," "Dr. J." or simply "Dr. Hitt," he faithfully served many families in the Rogers Community for 31 years. Dr. Hitt was most proud to have delivered his three daughters. Dr. Hitt was a loyal husband, father, member and servant of the First Baptist Church, and his community. His patients remember him most for his compassionate spirit and being treated like family. He will be remembered for attending Rogers Mountaineer football and basketball games to support his daughters, the community, and the athletes while serving as the team doctor. Hours before the accident, Hitt was chosen as an inductee into the Rogers Mountie Hall of Fame for his volunteer efforts.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Rita, of the home; three daughters, brian Hyde, and husband Chuck, of Menasha, Wis., Emily Hitt of San Antonio, Texas, Andee Melson, and husband, Nate, of Little Rock; a brother Tom Hitt and his daughters, Vicky Jerdee and Gina Metheny, all of Hardy. Dr. Hitt is the son-in-law of Dr. and Mrs. T.N. Rodman of Leachville.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private family graveside service was held Monday at Benton County Memorial Park of Rogers.

A public memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Rogers with the Rev. Ben Rowell and Dr. Wes George officiating.

The family requests that anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial in honor of Dr. Hitt consider the Jerry Hitt Search and Rescue Memorial Fund, c/o First National Bank (ARVEST) of Rogers, Attention Dick Trammel, P.O. Box 809, Rogers, AR 72757, to support future rescue efforts, or to the First Baptist Church of Rogers, 626 West Olive, Rogers, AR 72756.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Stockdale Funeral Services of Rogers.