Mr. George David Marchand of Newport departed this life at his home on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born June 6, 1933, at Stuttgart, one of four children born to Stanley David Marchand and Bernice Bradley Marchand.
The Marchand family moved to Newport in 1949 and over the last 75 years this family has made a mark on Jackson County. Upon entering Newport High School, George quickly became a friend and treasured member of the Newport Greyhound Class of 1951.
On January 17, 1954, Mr. George Marchand married Miss Norma Jo McCoy. Over the next 70 years, family and faith has been their priority. The family they created has made an indelible mark on Jackson County.
Never a stranger to hard work, George began his working career as a butcher for Kroger, he later began selling farm equipment to farmers throughout Jackson County, and later purchased, managed and farmed the Marchand Family Farm. In the early 1980’s, George, together with his wife, converted their family home into a much needed assisted living facility, known as Oakdale Country Estates, providing a home and loving environment for elderly ladies.
George was a man of great integrity, commitment, and faith. He was a devoted Christian and was a faithful member of the Newport First Baptist and the Southside Baptist Churches.
For those blessed to know George, you know he never met a job he would not attempt and conquer. George was small in stature, but if you were privileged to know him, you know there was nothing small about his spirit, work ethic, accomplishments, and strong spirit of determination.
George’s love of the Lord shined brightest in his love of his family. Every Sunday over many decades the Marchand family enjoyed Sunday lunch together.
George was preceded in death by two brothers, Warner Marchand and Phillip Marchand and a sister, Jeannine Walton.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Norma Jo (McCoy) Marchand, of the home; three daughters, Annette Gage and husband, Don, of Heber Springs, Charlotte George and husband, Larry, of Newport, and Janet Walker and husband, Jerry, of Newport; thirteen grandchildren, Cris Driver and wife, Maddie, Heath George and wife, Nancy, Joby Driver and Hannah Arnold, Brooke Pryor and husband, Grant, Shelley Crow and husband, Dustin, Amy Boyd and husband Jonathan, Will Tiner and Alexis Gates, Shane George and wife, Sharon, Kaycie Gage, Kelsey Rawls and husband, Jesse, Jeremy Walker and wife, Lesley, Jason Walker and wife, Jan, and Jordan Walker; twenty-four great-grandchildren, Madison Fortenberry and husband, Jamison, Christian Driver and wife, Lauren, Miles and Coy Hopkins, Finnley and Sawyer George, Stella and Charlotte Pryor, Reece George, Paige Crow, Tripp, Sam, and Tegan Tiner, Bernice and Georgie Boyd, Mateo and Delilah Briceno, Maelyn Gage, Parker, Jake and Benny Rawls, and Jackson, Steven, and Jaxon Walker; and one great-great-grandchild, Cylus Fortenberry.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday, January 27, 2024, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Teddy Rhea and Bro. Greg Dills officiating.
The Marchand Family would like to extend a special thank you to the Arkansas Hospice Nurses and for the loving care given by Amber Estes.
