Gene Bruce McElroy, Jr.

Gene Bruce McElroy Jr., 49, of Springdale died Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 30, 1961 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Gene Bruce McElroy, Sr. and Dorothy Ann Chaney McElroy. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Springdale and the church's Men's Fraternity. Over the years he held various positions such as committee member of the Children's World board, the "Expanding Our Blessings" Management Team, and Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee. He was Springdale's representative for Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority, where he was one of the original board members and served as treasurer. He was an "honorary" member of the Springdale Noon Kiwanis Club. He coached Kiwanis Kid's Day Football and many levels of Springdale Youth Baseball. He was a sponsor of Springdale Ducks Unlimited for many years, and an avid outdoors enthusiast. He supported the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team with his attendance and donations. He was a master plumber and project manager and often donated his time and talents to help others. Survivors include, his wife, Dr. Kellye McElroy of the home to whom he married May 29, 1982; two sons, Andrew James McElroy of Springdale and Keith Ryan McElroy of Fayetteville; his parents, Gene Bruce McElroy, Sr. and Dorothy Ann of Sherman, Texas; two sisters, Kim Franklin (Doug Bucy) of Sherman, Texas and Kathy Briski (Fred) of Rockford Ill.; hisvfather and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Emma Carothers of Morrilton, Arkansas and his constant companion and friend Lucy, his black lab. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families. Memorial services will be Friday, February 11, 2011 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Springdale with Rev. David Freeman and Rev. Judy Van Hoose officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Murl Baker, Jerry Brown, Sam Browning, Jerry Danenhauer, Daniel Franklin, Michael Franklin, Doug Hocutt, Johnelle Hunt, Kevin Markham, Phil Marsh, James McElroy, Mike McFarland, Chris Sargent, Justin Scantlin, Tom Scantlin, Chad Scott, Dr. Steve Shaddox, Dr. Jim Weir, Rev. Danny Williams, Don Williams, members of the First United Methodist Church Men's Fraternity, members of Springdale Noon Kiwanis Club and members of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority. The family would like to express special thanks to Circle of Life Hospice program, and especially his home nurse, Lynette Bennett. Also thanks to his sister, Kim Franklin, for her love and compassion as his personal caregiver. A special recognition to Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Hershey H. Garner, and the entire staff at Highlands Oncology Group for their devoted care over the last two years. The family's gratitude goes out to Mrs. Johnelle Hunt for her generosity and support during his long illness. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 206 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, Arkansas 72764 or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762. To sign the guestbook online please visit www.siscofuneral.com.