Jimmie Donald Guess, Sr., a faithful Christian, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and respected member of his community, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on March 20, 2026, at the age of 89.

Donald was a lifelong resident of Des Arc, Arkansas.  He graduated from Des Arc High School in 1955, and married the love of his life, Frances Ann Bethell, in 1960.  Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to their community.

He became a member of First Baptist Church in Des Arc in 1961 and faithfully served his church family for decades. In 1981, he was ordained as a deacon, a role he carried with humility, dedication, and a servant’s heart.  His steady leadership, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to Christ left a lasting impact on his church and community.

Alongside his beloved wife, Ann, Donald owned and operated Sno-White Dairy Freez from 1965 until 2001.  Through their work, they not only built a successful local business, but also created a place filled with memories for generations of families in Des Arc.  Donald also established Guess Used Cars in 1967, further contributing to the life and growth of his hometown.  Donald’s legacy in Des Arc will live on through the businesses he built and the hundreds of lives he touched.  Through honest work, warm conversations, and a genuine love for people, he created more than successful businesses – he created places where friendships were formed, families gathered, and memories were made for generations.

Donald and Ann shared sixty-six wonderful years of marriage, a testament to their deep love, faith, and lifelong partnership.  He is survived by his loving wife, Ann, who adored him; his four children, Jimmie Donald (Cindy) Guess, Jr., Susan (Dr. Charles Keith) Neaville, Jr. of Searcy, Anna Beth (Shawn) Fisher, and Paul Hayley Guess.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Matthew Hayley (Sarah Jane) Snow, Laura Dailey (Doug) Estes, Jimmie Donald (Kaitlyn) Guess, III, Charles Keith (Sarah Beth) Neaville, III, John Dailey (Lainey) Guess, Cameron Shawn (Carolay) Fisher, and Andrew Scott Neaville, and twenty great grandchildren.

In addition, he is survived by his brothers, Bob (Lana) Guess of Hazen, and Owen (Gayle) Guess of Des Arc; and his sister, Frances (Bob) Darrington of Sherwood, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, his church family, and many dear friends whose lives were blessed by knowing him.  He is preceded in death by his father, Jimmie H. Guess, and mother, Lorene Hayley Guess, one grandchild, and one great grandchild.

Donald will be remembered as a man of integrity, wisdom, and deep faith – a steady presence who loved his family well and lived his life as an example of Christ’s love in action.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” –2 Timothy 4:7

While his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in the promise of eternal life and rejoice knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fed by Faith (1401 Main St., Des Arc, AR 72040) or First Baptist Church, Des Arc.