Jerry Lee Muse, M.D.

Jerry L. Muse, M.D. was carried to heaven from his earthly home on Sunday, October 29, 2023. He was 86 years old.  Jerry was born at home between Clarkton and Campbell, MO on January 8, 1937 to Emma Morrisett Muse and Edward Gilbert Muse.  His family moved to Plainview, TX shortly after. He lived there with his parents and 6 siblings in a 2 bedroom farm house. They then moved to Roswell, New Mexico and then to Piggott, Arkansas.

He graduated from Piggott High School in 1954 and Texas Christian University in 1958.  He received his medical doctor degree from University of Arkansas in 1962.  He did his internship at Barnes Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN.  He then served a year in Vietnam as a captain in the Army Medical Corps. He received a Bronze Star for his work during a cholera epidemic in which countless lives were saved. Jerry spent his last year in the U.S Army at Brooks Medical Center in San Antonio, TX.
He met the love of his life while in medical school while working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.  Linda Kathryn Hawkins was an RN student at the time.  After his time in the service, they were united in marriage on September 10, 1966.  To this union two children were born, Dana Leigh, and Timothy Edward.

Dr. Muse practiced family medicine, and served the communities of Piggott and Rector, Arkansas and Campbell, Missouri for over 57 years. He was a faithful medical director of the local nursing homes until he was 85 years old. He enjoyed being the team physician for the Piggott Mohawks for many years.

Jerry accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 9, and he served Him faithfully for his entire life.  At the time of his passing he was a member of Central Baptist Church where he was a member of the Agape Sunday School class. He taught the class frequently.  He and Linda were faithful members of First Baptist Church in Piggott where he served as music minister, deacon, RA leader, and Sunday school teacher.

The joy of Jerry’s life was his wife Linda and his children.  His greatest love in life was sharing the gospel on the mission field as a physician and evangelist. He also served many years as a member of the Gideons International.  He and Linda took many mission trips to places such as Brazil, Romania, Ivory Coast Africa, Burkina Faso Africa, and India.  He was most passionate about the country of Guatemala and went on more than 20 trips there to share the love of Jesus.

Jerry loved sports. He played basketball, ran track, and played football from 9-12th grades. His PHS football team won the district football championship his senior year. He was an avid Arkansas Razorback and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved watching games in person and on TV, and he coached and played every game he watched! He also enjoyed playing golf and deer hunting. He was very competitive and loved playing games with friends and family, such as Rook and Farkle.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Dana Leigh Rouse (Kevin), son Tim Muse (Melissa) and his grandchildren Madison Rouse Grissom (Seth), Jackson Rouse (Ashley), Jakob Muse, and Cameron Muse. He also leaves behind 4 very special caregivers which he affectionately called his angels Patricia Bittle, Pam Garey, Tracey Drace, and Ashleigh Harrison. He also leaves behind many special relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Dr. Muse was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, his parents, and all six of his siblings Norman Muse, Jean Scanella, Joel Muse, Ray Muse, Millie Swift, and Margaret Muse.

Services for Dr. Muse will be on Wednesday November 1, 2023 at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas with visitation from 1 to 2 pm and funeral at 2 pm.  There will be a visitation at First Baptist Church, Piggott, Arkansas on Thursday November 2 from 11am to 1 pm with graveside service to follow at Piggott Cemetery at 1:30.

Active pallbearers will be Tim Muse, Jakob Muse, Kevin Rouse, Jackson Rouse, David Swift, and Gary Swift.  Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Clark, Bill Woods, Ronnie Chambers, Dr. Rudolph Bowens, and all members of the Agape class at Central Baptist Church.  Jay Jacobs, senior adult pastor of Central Baptist Church will be officiating his service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations made to be given to the Gideons International.