Roy Edward Sword

ROY EDWARD SWORD SR., 83, of Jacksonville sacrificed his life to the Lord to his eternal home in Heaven with Jesus on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. He was born Nov. 11, 1933 in Pikeville, Ky., to Thomas Sword and Oliva Branham Rich. Roy was a Bible student, knowing exactly his future home in Heaven. Roy was an avid tournament fisherman, winning the Western Military Bass Tournament and numerous other tournaments. He enjoyed bowling, basketball, softball, volleyball and gardening. He also served 28 years in the Air Force and 20 years at Dassault Falcon Jet. Praise God for having him on earth as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and good provider. Roy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patsy Sword; daughters, Rhonda McEnany (Cary), Sylvia Helfrich; son, Roy Edward Sword Jr. (Kim); three grandchildren, Kelly Helfrich Perretti (Vincent), Taylor Helfrich and Jeremy Sword (Melissa); three great-grandchildren, Caden Sword, Sam Sword and Madden Sword. He was preceded by his parents and brothers, Johnny Rich and Jackie Rich. Memorials may be made to North Hills Baptist Church, 9618 Highway 107, Sherwood, Ark., 72120. A visitation will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m., at North Hills Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.