Murray V. Elton

Murray V. Elton, 83, of Jonesboro, died Sunday April 6, 2014 at the NEA Baptist Hospital. He was born in Hamburg, Arkansas on June 16, 1930 to the late Murray T. and Ethel Mitchell Elton. He had lived in Jonesboro since 1985, moving from Trumann. Murray grew up and graduated from Crossett Schools. Murray went to the University of Arkansas playing football for the Razorbacks. He would continue being a fan of the Razorbacks. He was a loving husband, father and a member of Central Baptist Church.

After graduating, Murray went into the Army. He taught and coached high school football and basketball at Smackover and Crossett Schools. Murray began his career as Human Resource director with Georgia Pacific in Crossett, then Mitchell Engineering Company of Columbus, Mississippi. He retired in 1995 from Baldwin Piano and Organ Co. Murray was a Rotarian in Osceola and Trumann. He was inducted into the Ashley County Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. A Liberty Mutual Life medal was presented to Murray in 1989 for saving a human life. The Civitan Club of Crossett chose him in 1965 as Citizen of the Year.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter; Allison Elton, sister; Betty Criswell and a special uncle; Paul Mitchell.

Survived by his loving wife of 33 1/2 years, Julia Francis Elton of the home.

Step-sons; Jeffery Hendrix (Phyllis) of Searcy and Brent Hendrix of Benton, Arkansas.

Brother in law; Bob Criswell of Little Rock, Arkansas

And a special grand doggie; Samantha.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday April 9, 2014 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Mike Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery, with Emerson Funeral Home in charge.

Visitation will be from 9:30 -10:30 A.M. on Wednesday April 9, 2014 at Emerson Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Jim Walker, Cleo Watkins, Jim Swindle, Roger Grimm, Bobby Teal, T.R. Bandy, Carrol Carr and Gary Chambers.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Sonshine Class of Central Baptist Church, Joe Smith, Louis Wolf, Bob Roberts, Bobby Joe Smith, Bob Beyer, Carrol Anderson and the Christian Business Men Dinner Group.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that you please consider the Gideon’s International, P.O.Box 140800 Nashville, Tenn. 37214-0800 or Central Baptist Church Building Fund, 3707 Harrisburg Road Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404.

To sign online guest book go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com.