Roy Eoff

Roy Lee Eoff, 68, of Lono, passed away at home Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Jan. 13, 1949 in Harrison, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents James Roy and Mary Ellen Eoff and his niece Lori Ellen Eoff. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carolyn, two daughters, Elizabeth and Emily, his son Robert, daughter-in-law Marci, brothers Jim and John, beautiful grandchildren Tristan, Audrey, Everett, Adeline, Athena, and Eliza, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members. He had many dear friends who were like family to him.

Roy was a 1967 honor graduate of Harrison High School. An outstanding scholar-athlete, he played football, ran track, and was a member of the 1967 AA State Champion Goblin basketball team. Roy attended Arkansas Tech where he played football and ran track. A three-year letterman in football, he played safety for the Wonderboys, helping them win multiple Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championships, and leading the AIC in interceptions both his junior and senior years. Roy majored in accounting and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. He was the recipient of the Cliff-Shaw Scholar-Athlete award, the highest individual award given by the AIC. He also received the A.0. Duer Award, presented to a single outstanding junior football player scholar-athlete among the 525 institutions of the NAIA. Roy was also a member of Tech's Fellowship of Christian Athletes, President of Tech's Kappa chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society, member of Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, member of the student senate and honored as an outstanding College Athlete of America. As an adult, Roy was active for many years in recreational sports, playing racquetball, softball, tennis, and basketball.

In addition to sports, Roy enjoyed horseback riding, hiking (especially his trips to Wyoming), and anything to do with the "Old West". He coached his children's sports teams and was very involved in church, serving as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Harrison, Osage Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. Roy was a CPA, but his main work was as owner and manager of Hudson Tire and Battery in Harrison from 1979-2016. He was an active member of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. He also served on the Hillcrest Home board of trustees.

Roy Lee was loved by many and will be dearly remembered for his cheerful spirit, strength, wit, and determination. He bravely battled PD for many years and finally Lewy Body Dementia; he never complained. Roy was blessed with exceptional caregivers in his last years.

A memorial service will be held 2 pm Thursday January 4, at the Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home chapel. Visitation will be Thursday from 1 pm until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, the Arkansas Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.