Roy Lee Thompson
February 28, 1944 – July 7, 2026

Roy Lee Thompson was born in Keiser, Arkansas on February 28, 1944. He was one of seven children born to Nathan Daniel “Jack” Thompson and Bertha Bell Watson.

He graduated from Keiser High School in 1962 and continued his education at the Cotton Bowl Technical Institute of Engineering. Roy worked for Lane and Bowler Pumps for 23 years until they closed the Memphis, Tennessee plant and relocated to Illinois. In his later years, he worked for WDM Pumps and went on to work for JR Stewart Pump Company in West Memphis until his retirement in 2010. One of his many accomplishments was installing large water pumps at Hoover Dam in Nevada and installing pumps for water systems in Colombia, South America, and Mexico.

Roy married the love of his life, Patricia JoAnn Ward, in 1971 and they shared 55 wonderful years together. She survives him along with three daughters: LaDon Thompson Byars of Dyersburg, Tennessee; Lee Ann (Derick) Sitzes of Minden, Louisiana; and Tracy McCain of Beebe, Arkansas. He is survived by 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and was expecting a great-great-granddaughter in September.

Roy was also survived by one brother, George (Pat) Thompson of Marshall, Arkansas; one sister, Martha Gosa of Hot Springs, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Beverly Thompson of Jonesboro, Arkansas; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will hold a visitation at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Lighthouse Ministries, 5446 SFC 311, Forrest City, Arkansas 72335. The memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Roy’s memory by making donations to Lighthouse Ministries, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com