Stephen Jay Orr

Stephen “Steve” Jay Orr, 75, of Jonesboro passed on Friday, August 11, 2023. Born in Oakland, CA, on February 7, 1948, to a career U.S. Navy family, Steve lived in Jonesboro most of his life. Steve was a 1966 graduate of Jonesboro High School.

During college Steve became a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity at Arkansas State University where he received a ROTC scholarship, became a distinguished military graduate, and attained a BS degree in accounting and a minor in military history. Upon graduation, Steve attended field artillery officers training at Ft. Lawton, Oklahoma and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. army. His European tour of duty with the 3rd of the 37th Battalion was stationed at Dachau, Germany, during the 1972 U.S. Olympic games. After his army stint, Steve received an army commendation medal and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. God and country have always been important to Steve.

Returning to Jonesboro, Steve became a Certified Public Accountant and the managing and establishing partner of his accounting firm. Steve received many career recognitions as he became a Certified Valuation Analyst and attained the distinction of being the first CPA in Arkansas to be a Master Analyst of Financial Forensics allowing him to serve as a key witness in numerous legal cases. Recognizing Steve’s expertise, Governor Bill Clinton appointed Steve to the Arkansas Tax Reform Commission.

Steve served his Jonesboro community in several ways. He was the past chairman, vice chairman, and treasurer of the Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce. Steve received the Arkansas Community Development Award for leadership. He was a past board member of East Arkansas Business Incubator, Jonesboro Housing and Facilities Board, board member of the United Federal Savings and Loan, and served on the Northeast Arkansas Industrial Development Commission. Steve was elected twice to serve on the Jonesboro School Board and appointed to complete the term of a fellow member. Steve also served on the Finance Committee of his church, First Methodist Church of Jonesboro.

Steve achieved many accomplishments during his lifetime, but his greatest fulfillment was that as a husband, father, and grandfather. Spending time with his junior high school sweetheart, his beloved children, and his cherished grandchildren was his favorite pastime. He loved being “Poppy” and attending every activity, sporting event, dance recital, vacation or beach time gathering that allowed him to shower love on the family that he adored. His presence will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Jay and Ruth Evans Orr, a brother, Jerry Orr, and a granddaughter, Conley Caroline Orr.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sarah Castleberry Orr; their children, Kevin Jay and wife Stacey; daughter, Amanda Raye; sister, Karen Johnson and husband Jerry; grandchildren: Logan Jay Orr, Maggie Elizabeth Orr, Mason William Webb, Morgan Sarah Webb, Hadley Faith Orr, and Collins Elise Webb.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. John Miles officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park with military honors.  There will be no visitation.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Glenn “Skip” Highfill, Tim Ryan, Dan Pierce, Jim Brecklein, John Edwards, Richard Stevenson, M.D., Louis Schaaf, and Tom Womack. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Hall, M.D., and Michael D. Hightower, M.D.

In lieu of floral arrangements, memorials may be given to: First Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Inc., PO Box 608, Jonesboro, AR 72403 with a description on the memo line; the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or Northeast Arkansas Humane Society 6111 East Highland Drive Jonesboro, AR 72401.