1955 – 2023
Larry Jon Roberts went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
Larry was born on July 14, 1955, in Rogers, Ark., and spent much of his working life in the propane delivery business, providing services to many families and rescuing furry friends abandoned on the side of the road.
Larry’s work had its rewards as it was during a propane conference that Larry first met Julia Furniss, who was attending a nursing conference in Little Rock. Through this chance encounter, and after a “long” (3 month) romance, they fell in love and were married for the next 26 years until Larry's passing. Larry was known for his caring nature and wonderful smile, as well as his love for God and his family, and God's creatures. He was always willing to lend a hand to others. Larry’s father-in-law Delma could always count on, and deeply appreciated, Larry’s selfless help taking care of the Furniss homestead in Rena Lara.
Larry had a great love of sports, which was passed down through the Roberts' generations, from Granny Roberts to his children and grandchildren. Larry loved the St. Louis Cardinals (baseball) from an early age. For his seventh birthday, his parents took Larry to watch his first professional baseball game. Thereafter, Larry went each year to celebrate his birthday for the next 50 years. Larry's love for sports continued as he grew older with the Arkansas Razorbacks (football and baseball). Larry loved to say "Woo Pig Sooie" Arkansas Razorbacks. Larry and Julia would always root for the Razorbacks unless Arkansas played Mississippi- then things got interesting in the household . . .
Larry’s love for sports was only matched by his love for God’s creatures. During his many hours on the road with his work, Larry brought home at least 8 stray dogs that were abandoned on the side of the road. When he arrived at home with the stray, Larry would just say "I couldn’t leave the poor thing!" It wasn’t just a dog thing- Larry would often stop his car on the side of the road to help a turtle cross so it could get safely to the other side. He truly loved God's creatures. When he wasn’t working, taking care of kids and grandkids, or helping others, Larry loved to work outside in his garden.
Larry is survived by his wife Julia Furniss-Roberts; daughter Mandy Pollock (Brad) of Rogers, Ark.; son Clayton Jon Roberts (Heather) of Bella Vista, Ark; step sons Shaun Bramlett and Derek Bramlett of Gravette, Ark; and grandchildren Dylan Bramlett, Ben Pollock, Rayna Bramlett, Shelby Roberts, Carter Jon Roberts, and Hannah Roberts. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Johnie and Agnes Roberts.
Family and friends were invited to honor the life of Larry at a memorial service held Wednesday, July 26 at Rena Lara Baptist Church in Rena Lara. Visitation was 1 p.m. followed by the service at 2 p.m., officiated by Brother Todd Bailey. Immediately following the service, a graveside service was held at Memorial Garden Cemetery in Lyon. Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Rena Lara Baptist Church, P.O. Box 118, Rena Lara MS 38767.
