Bobby Gene Sides

Bobby Gene Sides passed away at the age of 79, on Friday, March 4th at home with his family by his side. He was born in Parkin, Arkansas on December 7, 1942 the son of August and Willie Jewell “Spence” Sides.

Mr. Sides attended the Parkin Schools before serving in the U. S. Marine Corps. He served 4 years in Okinawa and upon returning to the states in San Diego, California he met and later married Ms. Elaine Welch, together they had 3 children. He was a self-employed contractor setting mobile homes for 40 years. Bobby moved back to Arkansas in 1986 with his second wife Georgia and settled in Parkin and opened the Friendly Market. and Ms. Georgia still runs it today. Bobby retired in 2002 and enjoyed traveling, golfing, and riding the gravel roads of Cross County. He loved watching his grandchildren and old westerns. He was a hard but fair man. He liked helping those in need and would give donations without any recognition.

Mr. Sides was preceded in death by his parents and brother; George Sides, sisters; Norma Jean Russell, Clara Favella, Ethel Sides, Jewel Sheppherd, Jeanette Sheppherd, and Patsy Roach.

He is survived by two sons; Scott Sides and wife Stacey of Mount Vernon, Washington, Trent Sides and Fiancée Lori of Parkin, one daughter; Pamela Martin and husband Randy of Salt Lake City, Utah, one brother; Stanley Sheppherd of TN, two sisters; Mary Ann Broughton Whitlock of McCrory, Ruby McFarland of West Memphis, special daughter in law; Pam Sides of Parkin, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service with honors will be held Wednesday, March 16th at noon at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye.

The family requests that memorials can be made to the Parkin First Baptist Church.

Cross County Funeral Service & Crematory was honored to handle arrangements for Mr. Sides.

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