Jesse E. Daughtry, Jr.

Jesse E. Daughtry Jr., 82, of Loves Park, Illinois passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, Tuesday, March 24, 2026 after many courageous health battles. He had a warrior’s heart and lived an honorable life.  Born March 29, 1943 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Jesse E. Daughtry Sr. and Lillian White. Jesse grew up in Rodeo, Ca., moving to Rockford at age 14, and was a 1960 West High Graduate and later served in the Illinois National Guard and was honorably discharged. He went on in careers as a ceramic technician; Transportation sales and terminal manager; established and owned Transport Resource Brokerage and worked in the Loves Park Water Department until his retirement.

Jesse had a deep passion for music. In his younger days, he was the lead singer in a local band called “The Take Five” and enjoyed acting which earned him a National Thespian Award and he was certainly dramatic in a very good and funny way. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and Choir and enjoyed singing tenor for many years, especially with Cliff Runyard, Dave Wick, Chuck Frykman, Steve Anderson and Mark Munger. He had a deep and abiding faith.

Jesse had many hobbies and when younger enjoyed scuba diving, archery, boating, camping and fishing. He especially loved life on the river with wife Gail and their two dog children, Charley and Annie. He was an avid volunteer and enjoyed helping people. Over a span of 30 plus years, he donated hundreds of hours to Delta-Nu-Alfa Traffic Fraternity; the Swedish Historical Society, The Parks Chamber of Commerce; Loves Park Civil Service Commission and the many festivities of the City of Loves Park. He looked for the good in people and tried to live by the Golden Rule.

On August 25, 1972, Jesse married the love of his life Gail, and they shared 53 glorious years together. He will be deeply missed and loved by all who knew him.  Survived by his wife Gail; children, Laurel (Michael) Ozburn and Jay (Tammy) Daughtry; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; special sister-in- law, Judy Daughtry; daughter-in- law, Georgene Daughtry; many nieces and nephews; special brothers-in-law, Andrew (Mary) Frykman, Charles (Teresa) Frykman and Jeffrey (Karan) Hendricks. He is reunited in Heaven with brother, Jack Daughtry; two sons, Kevin Daughtry and David Daughtry; nephew, Mark Daughtry; both parents; daughter-in- law, Diane Daughtry; and lifelong friend, Robert Paravala.

A heartfelt thankyou to the many prayer partners at Grace Lutheran Church, Pastor Brent Dahlseng, and special friends Darryl and Judy Lindberg for their continuous support and love.

In honoring Jesse’s wishes, he is to be cremated and services will be determined at a later time.

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