James Roy Row Jr., 88, of Batesville was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, August 6. He was born in Batesville on August 22, 1930 to James Roy Row, Sr. and Floy Inez Tibbles Row.
Roy was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Korean War, he spent many years as owner and operator of the business that was originally begun by his father – Row Auto Parts. After retirement, he served with the Arkansas State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Since 1953 he has been a 32nd degree Master Mason and has enjoyed many years with his Masonic brothers. He was with the White River Shriners and at one point was a clown. His children loved to play with the clown suit, especially the large shoes and colored wig.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Peggy Ruminer Row; one daughter, Alice R. Comer of Little Rock; one son, James L. Row of Batesville; one niece, Ann Marie Thompson; one nephew, Billy Thompson; and several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by both parents and a sister, Royce Marie Thompson.
Pallbearers are Gerald Nash, Steve Davis, Rick Shaw, Richard Ashcraft, Terry Weaver, and Bill Dugger. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Martin, Brother Joe Dry, Gene Talburt, Claud McCord, and Mitch Moffett.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 9, 2019 at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville and officiated by Bobby Bennett, Master Mason. The service will include a traditional Masonic ceremony by his Masonic Brothers. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

Published August 8, 2019