Royal J. Kidder

Royal J. Kidder, 78 of Lonoke departed this life on March 8, 2017. He was born on November 19, 1938. Roy grew up in Perryville, Ark. As an early teen he went to work for Mincey's Machine Shop in North Little Rock until the mid '70s. There he became a great mechanic. He continued this work until his health failed in 2016. He was a master electrician and a craftsman like no other. He was an avid farmer and always grew a huge garden with an abundance to have plenty to share with others. Roy was a man of great integrity, strength, and goodness, who brought joy and laughter to all who met him. His greatest passion was serving the Lord. He started attending Smokey Lane Apostolic Church in North Little Rock at a very young age, and later in life was honored to become the pastor of 30 years. He remained honorary pastor until his final day. Roy is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bettie Kidder; son Wayne Smith, Jr. (Jo) of Mayflower; daughter Debbie King (Kenneth) of Cabot; one brother Wade Kidder (Pat) of Beebe; two sisters, Marene Williams of Conway and Dorothy Moore of Dover; grandchildren: Rodney Kidder, Preston Canterberry II, Ryan Kidder, Cody Canterberry, Thomas Pack and Raegan Ellen; nine great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jill, Carterson, Aubrey, Channing, Christian, Macy, Rayland and Lilah. A host of nieces, nephews and friends. Roy is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Elsie Kidder; son Rae Kidder; daughter Renee Pack; brother Walter Kidder; sisters, Macel Humphrey, Mary Doughty and Willa Dean James. Celebration of life services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Smokey Lane Apostolic Church at 200 Smokey Lane, North Little Rock, with interment in Lonoke Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to service. Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. www.boydfuneralhome.net.