David Dawson Erby, MD, 76, of Jonesboro passed away after a long battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born March 18, 1949 in Jonesboro to the late Raymond and Maxine Erby.

David was a 1967 graduate of Jonesboro High School, a 1971 graduate of Arkansas State University, and a 1976 graduate of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, followed by a 3-year residency at UAMS. He then reported for active duty in the US Army at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma as a Board-certified Psychiatrist. During that time, he obtained the rank of Major. After fulfilling his commitment, he returned to Jonesboro to serve as Medical Director of George Jack Health System which later became Mid-South Health System until his retirement in 2016. He was called back to serve once again in the army during the Desert Shield conflict and was stationed 8 months at Fort Polk, Louisiana, 1990-1991. David was an active member of Valley Ridge Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher for many years. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and bus trips with his wife.

In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Allen and Patsy (Terry) George.

David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jala Erby; son, Mat (Kim) Erby; daughter, Jessica (Eric) Johnson; brother, Mike (Rosie) Erby; sister, Charlotte (Mike) Rose; grandchildren, Christa (Nathan) Hamilton, Dr. Mattie (Conor) Erby-O’Rourke, Sgt. Dawson Johnson and Erika Johnson as well as great-grandchildren Ashlyn Hamilton and Liam O’Rourke.

Visitation will be held Wednesday January 28, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Valley Ridge Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

The funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Bobby Floyd and Bro. Gary Henderson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Cash. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Mat Erby, Sgt. Dawson Johnson, Eric Johnson, Mike Rose, Nathan Hamilton, Mike Erby and Conor O’Rourke.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Valley Ridge Baptist Church 1707 Christian Valley Dr. Jonesboro, AR 72404.