Class of 1958
1958 Maroon Spotlight
Gerald Musick
F .F .A. 55-56; F .F .A. Reporter 55-56; Band 55-58; Baseball 55-58; Basketball- 55-57; Junior Play 56-57; Assemblies 55-58; Lettermen’s Club 56-58; Basketball Queen Escort 57-58.
1958 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Gerald Joe Musick, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Musick of route 3, Perry, has won the Lions club award as the outstanding PHS basketball player the past two seasons. He has been on the team since 1955, and also has participated in baseball three years. Musick has been in the band since 1954. He was born May 24, 1940, in Ponca City, and attended Pioneer school one year before coming to Perry. His hobby is guns, and favorite subjects are physics and algebra II. He plans to attend Oklahoma State university. Musick was Junior Rotarian for January this year. He is a member of the National Honor society.
Dr. Gerald Joe “Jerry” Musick
May 24, 1940 – July 4, 2026
Gerald (Jerry) Musick, 86, passed away at his home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on July 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 24, 1940, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, he was the son of Arlie and Leona Musick.
He was raised on the family farm near Perry, Oklahoma, where he developed the values of hard work, humility, and service that guided him throughout his life.
He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1962, the same year he married the love of his life, Florene Thompson. Together they raised 2 daughters and built a life centered on faith, family, education, and service. Jerry continued his education, earning a Master of Science degree from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Missouri.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jerry served on the faculties of the University of Missouri, The Ohio State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Arkansas. In 1987, he was appointed Dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and Vice President for Agriculture Research at the University of Arkansas. He retired in 2002 after a career devoted to teaching, research, and advancing agriculture.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jerry’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished time with his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories. He also enjoyed landscaping his yard, playing golf, and serving his church.
A man of deep faith, Jerry dedicated countless hours to the churches he attended throughout his life serving on the church council, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, serving on committees, helping livestream worship services, and maintaining the church’s website. He quietly and faithfully shared his time and talents wherever they were needed.
Jerry is survived by his daughters, Linda Kaye Caviness (Ron) and Mary Lou Gates (Chris); grandchildren Reagan Brown (Kolby), Cameron Gates, Emma Caviness, Faith Caviness, and Ella Gates; great-grandchildren Karter Brown and Charlie Brown; siblings Sandy Little (Jim), Roger Musick (Debi), Craig Musick (Susan), and Kim Haley; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and students.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florene Musick; his son, Randall Scott Musick; his parents, Arlie and Leona Musick; and his sister, Joan Curtis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2901 E. Zion Road, Suite 17, Fayetteville, AR 72703.