Birchard Raymond Roberts

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Birchard Raymond Roberts, 90, of Jonesboro, AR, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in the presence of Evone Roberts and Trena Hyde.

Birchard was born February 9, 1935 in Alhambra, California as Birchard Moore. His name was later changed to Birchard Roberts upon the marriage of his mother Billie Roberts to Mark Roberts.

They moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where, as a child, Birchard attended school. He graduated from Arkansas State College with a degree in physical education and was a member of the Army ROTC, where he was recognized with honors.  Birchard began his military career as an Officer in the Army and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where he served multiple tours. He was a career Army soldier, who served 33+ years and retired as a Colonel in the United States Army with top secret clearance, various awards, recognitions and medals. Birchard chose to return to Jonesboro to live in retirement.

He is preceded in death by his father Birchard Moore of Riverside, CA; mother Billie Roberts of Jonesboro; stepfather Mark Roberts of St. Louis, MO;  brother Wayne Roberts of Tampa, FL; daughter Rayetta Elrod of Jonesboro; son Scott Roberts of Jonesboro; and Peggy Harrison Life Partner of Jonesboro (Daughter Trena Hyde, Living) .

His surviving relatives include Holly Williams, daughter; Tracy Roberts, son; and Evone Roberts, daughter-in-law; two grandchildren:  Eric Roberts and Dacey McLean (spouse Hunter McLean); and one great grandchild, Scarlett McLean.

Birchard was a lifelong learner, an avid reader and a great researcher of all things educational with a desire to share what he’d learned with others. He was an ASU Alumnus and enthusiastic sports fan; a flora, fauna, birdwatcher and lawn enthusiast; a coin collector with his children, and a loyal supporter of family, friends, community and charitable causes. He leaves behind a multitude of memories to cherish from family and friends.

During his retirement years, Birchard served as a church member, Sunday school teacher, lay speaker and aide to deliver meals to elderly shut-ins at the Methodist church, formerly Nettleton United Methodist Church but more recently First Church of Jonesboro.

A memorial service will be held, Monday, May 19, 2025 at Emerson Memorial Chapel, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation prior starting at 1:00 p.m.