1937-2024
Ernest Gene Archer, 87, of DeWitt died December 7, 2024 at his home. He was born September 29, 1937 in Helena, Arkansas to Mayola Olive Stephens Wimpy and Walter Anderson Archer II.
Gene graduated from Paragould High School in 1955 and was affectionately known as the class clown. He was voted the most sociable and silliest of his senior class. To those who knew him, this described him perfectly! After graduation, Gene enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served his country for 4 years, he was stationed in Japan for 2 years as an air traffic controller. Upon returning home, he graduated from Arkansas State University in 1965 with a degree in Art and Drama and began his teaching career at Greene County Tech High School as an Art and Drama teacher. At Tech he directed over 50 school drama performances. Here he was known for the “Archer Awards” given every year for the high school drama department members. In 1977, he began teaching Art at DeWitt High School and Middle School. At DeWitt he was known for his elaborate Jr./ Sr. Banquets and annual school musicals. Gene retired from DeWitt High School in 2002. From 1985-2002, Gene and Betty owned the Lady Bug Florist & Gift in DeWitt.
In Paragould, Gene was a founding member of the Greene County Fine Arts Council, where he directed numerous musical productions. In Arkansas County, he was involved in the South Arkansas County Fine Arts Council and the Back Porch Players.
Gene married the love of his life, Betty Lou Lyon, on June 12, 1964 in Paragould. To this union was born one child, Kimberly in 1966.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his step-fathers, William O. Driskell and George Norman Wimpy, brother Walter Anderson (Sonny) Archer III and sister in law, Betty Lois Archer. He is now rejoicing in heaven with his granddaughters, Sara and Greta.
Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Betty and daughter Kimberly Taylor and son in law Stanley all of DeWitt. He was a doting and loving “Pop” to his grandsons Tanner Adams of Gillett and Garrett Taylor of Monticello. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Courtney (Bud)Bisswanger and their son Cooper of DeWitt and Lindsay (Blake)Nugent of DeVille, Louisiana and their children Liam and Hayes. He is also survived by his twin sisters, Winkle (Mike) Stone of Redfield, Kathleen Godwin of Stuttgart, and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved like his own.
A celebration of life memorial service and family visitation will be held at First Baptist Church fellowship hall at 2:00 p.m., December 13, 2024.
