Bobby Joe Center

Bobby Joe Center, 83, of Winslow passed away August 6, 2016 at his home. He was born June 25, 1933 in Winslow to Alvis and Sally (Jones) Center. Bobby Joe attended Winslow Schools from which he graduated in 1952. He served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, spending his service-time in Germany. He returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Ellen Summers. They were happily married 61 years. Together they had fir children. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jack Center, Bonnie Beaver, Eugene Center, Christine Jones, Ruth Nicholas, Ralph Center, Calvin "Sonny" Center, James "Pete" Center, Johnny Center and one grandson, Marc Lewis. Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his wife, Ellen Center; daughters, Debra Wells (Keith) of West Fork and Julie Center Dilworth (John) of Winslow; sons, Lindell Center (Debbie) of West Fork, Darrell Center (Diane) of Winslow and Arthur Center (Heather) of Winslow; and one brother, Jerry Center of Winslow. Bobby Joe has 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bobby Joe loved his home in the Boston Mountains of Washington County and the beautiful country God created. Bobby Joe had a strong work ethic that he lived by. He was a bulldozer operator, who built many roads and ponds in the tri-county area and also owned and operated a lumber and sawmill business. He helped his community by serving several terms on the Winslow School Board. But most of all, he was a family man. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1225 E. Zion Rd., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Burial will be at the Coil-Center Cemetery east of Winslow under the direction of Beard's Chapel. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at Beard's Chapel, 855 S. Happy Hollow Rd. in Fayetteville. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.