FUNERAL HOME

Gross Funeral Home

120 WRIGHTS ST

Hot Springs, Arkansas

John Gillenwater Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 6, 2017.

John Price Gillenwater Sr., died on February 5, 2017 in Hospice Care at St. Vincent’s Hospital after succumbing to multiple illnesses. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Patty (Douthat) Gillenwater; his daughter Patrice Gillenwater and partner Carol Glover of



Dallas-Ft.Worth,Texas and his son John Price Gillenwater II and his wife Johanna (Glenn) of Little Rock, AR. He leaves two grandchildren John Price Gillenwater III and Georgia Glenn Gillenwater of Little Rock. He leaves his beloved nieces and nephews; Barry Gillenwater (Dewana) of Memphis TN, Susan Grinder (Dan) of Hot Springs, Michael Gillenwater, Linda Lopez (Javier), John Gillenwater (Tricia) and Grace Gillenwater all of Memphis TN. He also leaves behind 3 grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nita Gillenwater of Hot Springs and his brother Jim Gillenwater of Memphis, TN and his parents Roy and Louise Gillenwater of Hot Springs.



Born and raised in Hot Springs, Price was an excellent athlete and on the basketball team for the Junior Bathers. He played baseball in the minor league development system and hitchhiked many summers to New Mexico to play short-stop.



He attended Southern Illinois University on a baseball scholarship. He transferred to University of Arkansas and then again transferred to Henderson State University. He was conscripted into the US army during his HSU days and was stationed in Germany where he worked as a clerk (aka “Combat Typist”).



He returned from the Army to the University of Arkansas and while there became smitten by a red haired co-ed from Missouri named Patty Douthat. He graduated with a degree in psychology in 1959 and was an Sigma Alpha Epsilon in Fayetteville.



A yearlong courtship was followed by a memorable wedding that occurred on January 2, 1960. They recently celebrated their 57th year of a wonderful marriage.



He moved to Little Rock after college. With a family that now included two young children, Price then struck out on his own by owning/ operating car washes and several coin laundry mats.While in Little Rock, he attended Christ the King Catholic Church.



These successful endeavors allowed Price to buy JoJo’s Bar-BQ in the Levy District of North Little Rock. Price opened 3 more JoJo’s and was named best Bar-BQ restaurant in the state multiple times. Later, he and Patty opened Paradise Cafe in the Heights. He retired in 1997 and moved home to Hot Springs in 1998.



A scratch golfer, Price enjoyed playing against his many friends. During retirement, he loved attending Oaklawn Horse Races. He worked as a Red Coat for four years in the Paddock areas at Oaklawn. He was very proud of his red coat. He also was part of a lunch group that called themselves the ‘Horses A’s’…



Rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm followed by Visitation at 7:00pm Wednesday, February 8th at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, February 9th at 1:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hot Springs; internment will occur at a private ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock on Friday.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gillenwater

Sponsored by Gross Funeral Home.

What is your first memory of John?

Share a favorite memory you have of John.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with John.

Describe a time when John made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about John?

Talk about a shared experience you had with John.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of John.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving John.

What is something you learned from John?

Not sure what to say?

February 13, 2017

Jeannie Shires

He was very interested in his family, a great researcher and so willing to share or help those of us who were just beginning our family trees.

Jeannie Shires

February 9, 2017

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Polly is recovering from a stroke so we won't be able to attend, but we wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jack and Polly Bales

February 9, 2017

Patty, Patrice, and Price, Kelli joins me in sending our deepest sympathy to you all. Price was a nice and funny man. Take care.

Suzanne Murphy Coulter

February 8, 2017

Patty : Our thought and prayers are with you during your time of sorry. George and Ruth Kirtley

February 7, 2017

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

February 7, 2017

Coworker

Coach Bowman

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Coach G. I pray that you find comfort in the joyful memories that 84 years brought ;)
May God Bless you and your family,
Coach Bowman

February 6, 2017

Staff of Gross Funeral Home

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in John Gillenwater's name

Memorial Events
for John Gillenwater

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Gross Funeral Home

120 WRIGHTS ST, Hot Springs, AR 71913

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Gillenwater's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more