of Jonesboro, AR
August 26, 1938 - December 1, 2016
James Merle Rupard, 78, of Jonesboro, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016 at his home. He was born August 26, 1938 in Craighead County to the Arthur C. and Ona M. Griffin Rupard. He was a member of Woods Chapel Baptist Church. He was a member of the Gideons International and loved farm tractors, hunting, fishing, and talking with the coffee drinkers at Hardee's.
Mr. Rupard is preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson, Jack Rupard.
Survivors include his wife, Doris Troutman Rupard; two sons, James Randall (Carol) Rupard and William Douglas (Mary) Rupard; a daughter, Kimberly Ann Rupard; four grandchildren, Josh Rupard, Jordan (Doyle) Rupard, Madison Rupard and Max Rupard; and two great grandchildren, Reece Rupard and Porter Doyle.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Saturday at the Woods Chapel Baptist Church with Rick Hathcoat officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Log Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm until time of service.
Bo James, Mike Rupard, Scott Bridger, Josh Rupard, Max Rupard, Glen Bridger, Kelly McGaughey and Tony Elmore will serve as pallbearers.
The Bridger Hunting Club will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider either the Woods Chapel Baptist Church or the Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Sorry to hear this. Prayers sent
So sorry for your loss!
He was a wonderful man.
Bleased to have known the Rupard family.
Kim and Mrs Doris, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We loved your dad, and we love your whole family.
Rupard Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of Merle and am a better person for having known him.
Peggy
Our thoughts and prayers with you all during this difficult time and the days ahead to a very special family with love and deepest sympathy.
The Wilf''s
Dora Dean & Jake
Doris, Randy, Doug, Kimberly & family,
Merle has been a part of my life from my earliest memories of him carrying me before he had any children of his own.
He was always an easy target for buying me ice cream when I didn't have any luck with my own dad.
And my dad always considered Merle his other brother and Jack his other father and always told me (many times) that there was no finer family than the Rupards.
Please find comfort in knowing that Merle is now surrounded by Doe and his favorite two Jacks and that we are all just "one breath away" from being within his presence & love once again.
My thoughts, prayers, love, & deepest respect will continue to be directed your way.
May God Bless you.
Jim Bridger
So Long Old Friend, May God Bless Your Family at this time..
Charlie and Ernie Onstead
Doug, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. (I am really sorry that I have been going to church with your parents for a year and a half and didn't know they were your parents.) Even though my dad has been gone for over 20 years, I still know exactly how you are feeling. I miss dad everyday and will continue to do so for as long as I am on this Earth and you will also. Just know that your dad is now taking care of your sons and they are loving every minute of it. I care for you and Mary a lot even though we haven't been close over the last several years. Will keep you and your family in my prayers. Debbie
Doug and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad ! My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family !!!!
God Bless you all at this difficult time !!!