Paul R. Boden

Paul Richard Boden, 70, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 17, 2006, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

His parents James Hilliary Boden, and Frank and Dixie (Boden) Green preceded him in death.
Paul is survived by long time companion Donna Kaye Rogers, three daughters, Paula Carter and friend Johnny Hubbard, Joni Burks and son-in-law David Burks, Mia Bailey and son-in-law David Bailey, one brother Stanley and Mary Boden of Columbus, Mississippi, and two nephews, Keith and Craig Boden.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Ashleigh Carter, Macey Carter, Alexis Hubbard, Cidney Jumper, Jacob Jumper, Dalton Burks, Jordan Bailey, Bryan Bailey and Terri Bailey; two great grandchildren, Aiden Qualls and Cassius Qualls.

At the time of his death, Paul was owner and CEO of U. S. Gospel News, the nation’s number one Gospel newspaper and Mid-South Sing (his promotions company). He formerly owned and operated KNEA Radio, Northeast Arkansas’ Voice of Southern Gospel Music. For many years, he broadcast the NEA High School Basketball Tournament.

Paul’s love for Southern Gospel Music began as a singer. From his youth he performed with his family and several local groups. While with the Wonder State Quartet, they represented the state of Arkansas at the World’s Fair in New York City in 1965. He continued to travel the quartet circuit with United Sound, becoming friends with many well-known figures in the Southern Gospel industry.

Promoting Southern Gospel concerts throughout the Midsouth and Midwest was another facet of his career. Paul brought the Cathedral Quartet to Jonesboro annually for over a decade. In March 1992, he hosted the Praise Celebration featuring the Gaither Vocal Band for the first time. The largest crowd to attend an event at the ASU Convocation Center was for the Gaither Homecoming concert in September 2000, sponsored by Paul and KNEA radio.

A songwriter with a number of songs to his credit; Paul’s best-known and most recorded song, “Meet Me There,” was co-written with Mary Ann Ballard and has been on several national charts. Paul has received awards and recognition too numerous to list.

He was a veteran of the Arkansas National Guard and a member of Temple Baptist Church.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 20, at Temple Baptist Church in Jonesboro with Bro. Jerry Jolly, Bro. Tom Carpenter and Dr. Buck Morton officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Visitation is Tuesday, September 19 from 5 pm – 7 pm at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Active Pallbearers:
David Bailey, David Burks, Johnny Hubbard, Bryan Rogers, Barry Rogers, Blake Rogers.

Honorary Pallbearers: Larry and Ann Wright, Bob Byrd,Jim & Dot Wilmoth, Bill Booher,
Jerry Parker, Fred Pearson, Jim & Ann Ballard, Phil Shepard, Danny & Patty Latham,
Sam & Mary Poe, Ed & Ellen Marsh, Steve & Christie Bradford, Robert Redd, Bob Snearly,
Dr. Steve Woodruff, Dr. Carroll Scroggin, Rick Carter, Jerry Trammell, Jim Mead,
Earnie Stallings, Bonnie Cochran, Sandi Duncan-Clark, Kathy Flannery, Cindy Cook, and
Rick Busby.

The family requests that lasting memorials be sent to Temple Baptist Church Building Fund, 2405 Stadium Boulevard, Jonesboro, AR 72401.