“We at KFFB 106.1 FM have lost a dear friend and a great broadcaster, as well as a model citizen.” said Bob Connell General Manager of KFFB 106.1 Fm.
Von Dean Jeffery
Von Dean Jeffery, 73, of Mtn. View entered into rest on October 23, 2009 at UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock.
Von Dean was born December 14, 1935 in Magness to Ray Milton and Gertha (Copeland) Jeffery.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church and a retired Mtn. View Coach and teacher.
Jeffery’s career began in 1957, after he graduated from Bethel College in McKenzie, Tennessee, with a degree in physical education and social studies. He lettered in baseball for four years while at the college.
He was hired at Mtn. View, where he coached the school’s only sports – basketball and baseball—for 10 years. He then coached girls’ basketball for another nine years. Jeffery spent at least 25 years coaching or assisting with at least one sport. In addition, he served for 36 years as Athletic Director.
Coaching is the profession of choice in Jeffery’s family. Both his brothers, Harold and Howard, are former coaches who live in Calico Rock.
During a 25 year span of coaching, during which he compiled a 930/364 ratio of wins/losses in basketball. Under his leadership, Mtn. View’s senior girls won the county tournament 19 years in a row.
Robbie, his wife, was one of six players who achieved the title of All-State during his years of coaching.
Eight players participated in All-Star games in the years after that program was initiated in 1970.
Along with the string of County Tournament championships, Jeffery’s record of accomplishments includes one boys district championship, seven girls district championships, three District Coach of Year awards, All-Star Girls Coach in 1976, and three state semi-finals appearances.
He estimates more than 100 trophies were added to the trophy cases during his tenure.
He taught American History for 17 years and Driver’s Education for 30 years.
In 1999, Von Dean Jeffery was honored as Distinguished Citizen by the MountainView Area Chamber of Commerce. Jeffery was a member of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association. He received the Community Service Award from Blue Mountain Lodge #202 in 1992. He has been a member of the Mtn. View Lion’s Club, a charter member of Stone County Jaycees and they were responsible for the building of the ball diamonds, Stone County Athletic Club, Arkansas High School Coaches Association, and Arkansas High School Officials Association. He was also on the board of directors for White River Area Agency on Aging. Aside from the Folk Festival Parade, he was often called upon to utilize his clear speaking voice in school and community activities such as Stone County Fair Pageants, and school track and football games. He assisted with the radio broadcast of Mtn. View basketball games in the district, regional and state tournaments on KFFB radio. He also volunteered time at the Chamber of Commerce office and with special events such as Bean Fest. In 2009, the Chamber of Commerce established a Community Volunteer Award in his name.
Recently, the Mtn. View High School gymnasium was renamed in his honor.
He is surviving by his wife of over 50 years, Robbie Johnson Jeffery, daughter, Janet Lynn Jeffery of N. Little Rock; brothers Harold and Howard Jeffery both of Calico Rock; his ‘adopted family’ Jackie, Will and Lane; his special pet Shiloh, his domino parlor buddies and his hunting buddies and host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Hale Jeffery and sister Georgia Russell.
Visitation is 6 – 8 p.m., Sunday October 25, 2009 and 12 noon – 2:30 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2009 both at the First Baptist Church, Mtn. View.
Funeral service and Memorial Celebration is 4 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2009 at the Von Dean Jeffery Gymnasium at the Mtn. View School Complex with Sermon: Bro. Mark Massey (whom he thought of as a son), Obituary: Bro. Ray Brown and Reminiscences: Bro. Daryl Pitts with interment in Flatwoods Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Fred Ward, Ronnie Risner, Eddie Cowell, Jim McCarn, Ron Willis, Jim Hinkle, Charlie Webb, Ralph Hunter, Kenny Wyatt and Benny Risner. Honorary pallbearers are former players and students.
Roller Crouch Funeral Home, Mtn. View is in charge of the arrangements.
Von Dean and Bob Connell during Mountain View’s 4th of July broadcasts
Bob Connell (KFFB), Michelle Coon (Chamber Manager) and Von Dean Jeffery about beans and outhouses
Bob Connell, Curt Decker, Michelle Coon, and Von Dean Jeffery at Folk Fest
