of Marvell, AR
August 21, 1924 - October 27, 2015
Eugene Johnson ''E.J.''Hosey, Sr., 91, of Marvell, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at his home. Mr. Hosey was born August 21, 1924 in Joiner, Arkansas to the late Dr. N.R. Hosey, Sr. and Nina Gray Holt Hosey. He lived in Joiner until he finished high school and then moved to Marvell and attended Arkansas Tech before entering the military. E.J. served in the U.S. Army as a scout under General Patton in Europe during World War II. Upon return from the war, he attended and graduated from Mississippi State University where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. After graduation, he returned to Marvell and married Merrie Jack McKinney on December 20, 1952. They were married for 63 years. E.J. began the business, Farmers Supply Company, with Bill McDonald in 1954 and served as Mayor of Marvell from 1957 until 1966. He also served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Marvell. The town of Marvell awarded E.J. with a Citizen of the Year award in 2008.
Mr. Hosey is survived by his spouse, Merrie Jack McKinney Hosey of Marvell; son and daughter-in-law, Gene and Karen Hosey of Marvell; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Chris Kale of Marvell; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Curtis) Schaffhauser, Bonnie (Scotty) Fraiser, Laura (Michael) Taylor, and John (Allison) Kale; eight great-grandchildren, Reese and Jackson Schaffhauser, Collin and Catherine Fraiser, Merrie Leigh and Wells Taylor, and Katie and John Kale; and his sister and brother-in-law, Nina and Joe Weisberger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. N.R. Hosey, Sr. and Nina Gray Holt Hosey; grandson, E.J. Hosey, III; and his brothers and sisters, including N.R. Hosey, Jr., Bill Hosey, Ora Sowell, Rosemond Banks, Irene Bowden, Helen Reddick, Beth Bowden and Geneva Rauenhorst.
Funeral services for E.J. Hosey, Sr. will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Marvell. Brother Justin Curtis will officiate.
Burial will follow at Eventide Cemetery in Marvell.
Pallbearers are James Kemmer, Joe Jackson, Curtis Storey, Tommy McCormick, Clarence Guest and Pointer Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Marvell, The E.J. Hosey, III Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Arkansas Community Foundation, or the Marvell Cemetery Association.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena (870) 572-2571.
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12 Condolence(s)
Joanie and Virginia Cowsert
Friday, November 6, 2015
So sorry to here about Mr EJ, my sincerest condolences to Ms MaryJack and family. I have the fondest memeories at their house in Marvell. Always fun things to do and my mom and dad considered them great friends. Much Love ,
The Cowsert Family
Charles Burnett
Thursday, October 29, 2015
I am saddened to hear of the passing of such a fine gentleman.I know that he will be missed by many.
fred & janet smith
Thursday, October 29, 2015
sorry to here this sad news . we are praying for the family .
Shirley Van Meter Freeman
Thursday, October 29, 2015
So sorry to learn of E.J.'s passing. He was a wonderful man. I remember him when I was in the first grade and he was in High School. He was kind to us first graders. Marvell will miss his presence and his leadership.
Betty Martin
Thursday, October 29, 2015
My prayers are with all of you at this time.
jackie Sanders
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Dear Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. E.J., he was a kind soul and so friendly to everyone, and a pillar to the community of Marvell and Phillips County.
Mike and Debra Rial
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Mike and I were so sorry to hear of Mr. E.J.'s passing and yet realized what a blessing your family has experienced by the many abundant and wonderful memories you all have enjoyed with him. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all .
Pamela Puckett Chapman
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
I am so very sorry to hear that E. J. has passed, I remember him from Vacation Bible school and church. He was a good man and I know he will be missed. I will pray for all of you. Family is important in these times hug and remember that is the best medicine.
fred king
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Mr Hosey was one of the most gentle persons I have ever known. So pleasant to be around and talk to.
Tina & Dennis Wilson
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
We are so sadden by the loss of Mr. E.J. He was a special person and will truly be missed. I hope you all can reflect on the wonderful life he was so blessed to have had and know that he was a very blessed man. You are in our thought and prayers. Dennis, Tina and famly
Terry & Amanda Robertson
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Sorry to hear about Mr. Hosey, I really enjoy the time I got to be with him over the years. God has got a good man in Heaven now but one day we will get to be with him, May God bless the family and bring comfort and peace in there hearts
W.C. Wooten
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Very Sorry to hear prayers to all the love ones