Joseph Cruse

Joseph B. “Jay” Cruse, age 88, went home to be with the Lord August 15, 2010. He was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas. He was the son of the late Douglas and Allie Greenwood Cruse. He spent his early childhood in northeast Arkansas with his 3 brothers, Lowell, Vernon and Douglas, Jr. and his sister, Francis. His family moved to North Little Rock when he was in elementary school, and North Little Rock became his home town. He resided the last 10 years in Cabot. Jay graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1941. He spent his career as an insurance and real estate salesman. He was the vice-president in the family owned Southern Equitable Insurance Company during the 1950’s and early 1960’s. His most successful years were spent in residential sales for Rector Phillips Morse during the 1970’s. He was a charter member of the Million Dollar Club and through continued success obtained a Lifetime Membership of the Million Dollar Club. He was the top producer for RPM for 2 years. He served as the president of North Pulaski Real Estate Association and was a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Arkansas Realtors Association. Jay had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was a very active member of his church, First Assembly of God in North Little Rock. He taught a Junior High Boys’ Sunday School Class, was a member of the Living Sanctuary Sunday School Class, and served on the Deacon Board under the leadership of 4 different pastors from the 1960’s through the 1970’s. He married his wife of 60 years, Doris J. Spurgeon, in 1949 at First Assembly. He also served on the Council of Evangel College in Springfield, MO in 1967. Jay was an avid Razorback fan and attended the early Razorback football games held at Quigley Stadium at Little Rock Central High School. He enjoyed going with family and friends to football games in Fayetteville, Little Rock, and bowl games across the country. Even when he was unable to attend, you could find him in front of the television watching the game while he listened to the broadcast on the radio. Jay was very involved in his community. He was president of the Lakewood Elementary Dads’ Club, former member of North Little Rock Lion’s Club, and former member of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. He was the president and secretary of the North Little Rock Sertoma Club. Jay is survived by his wife, Doris Spurgeon Cruse of Cabot, two daughters, Janet Granderson of Cabot and Kelly Whiddon of Cabot. He is also survived by three beloved grandchildren, Lindsey Hart of Cabot, Katie Rose of Fayetteville, and Corey Granderson of Fayetteville. Memorials can be made to First Assembly of God Missions Department. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at First Assembly of God in North Little Rock. Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com

Joseph Cruse

October 12, 1921 - August 15, 2010