Roland Cobb

James Roland Cobb, 76, of Lake City, died May 1, 2012 at his home. He was born in Lake City and spent his entire life there. He attended Arkansas State University and graduated with a degree in agronomy. He was a prolific farmer in the Lake City area farming cotton, rice, soy beans, and corn. His family was named the Northeast Arkansas Farm Family of the Year in 1995. He enjoyed sports and supported the Cardinals, the ASU Red Wolves, and the Riverside Rebels. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #733 and was a Shriner. Although he had a lot of interests and farming took much of his time, he loved being with his family and friends a great deal. Roland belonged to a large family and treated his extended family as if they were his own children. He was a kind and compassionate man. Roland was a veteran of the Army National Guard, a member of the Lake City Baptist Church, and had served on many civic boards.

He is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Pat Cobb of the home; his children, Jerry Cobb of Jonesboro, Judy (David) Dudley, Lake City, Kellie (Jeff) Brown, Wharton, Texas, Sarah Crews, Sheridan; grandchildren, Jera Cobb, Breigh Earnhart, Blake Cobb, Holly Dudley, Elizabeth Hale, Susan Hawkins; great grandchildren, Rebekah Hale, Julieanne Hale; and his brother, Steve (Terrie) Cobb, Lake City; and many nieces and nephews, other family members, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Kenny Cobb; a daughter, Melinda Cobb; his parents, Clyde B. & Flossie B. McFarlin Cobb; his sister, Patricia Cobb Carroll; and his son-in-law, John Crews.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Tommy Hood and Darin Owens officiating. Burial will follow at Lower Cane Island Cemetery. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers will be Eric Lyerly, Jarrett Cobb, Aaron Cobb, Tom Carroll, Cody Rea, Larry Nall, Harold Barker, and Len B. Nall. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Qualls, Danny Qualls, Jerry Qualls, Plute Ladd, Larry Ladd, Jim Ladd, Jim Stotts, Donnie Owens, Arlon Woodruff, and Bill Garner.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Emerson Memorial Chapel 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that lasting memorials in Roland’s name be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105; or Cobb Family Scholarship Endowment % Craighead County Community Foundation, 407 Union, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401.