Boyce "Bobby" Hogue

1939 - 2023

JONESBORO - Boyce 'Bobby" L. Hogue was born March 26, 1939, in New Albany, Miss., to Boyce and Lena Garrison Hogue. He left this life Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.

Bobby graduated high school and attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College in Senatobia, Miss.; in 1959 he transferred to Arkansas State University on a football scholarship. He graduated from ASU with a bachelor's degree in agriculture and an MSE and EDS degree in school administration. He worked as a coach and administrator in Kennett, Mo., Piggott and Jonesboro public schools.

He began his insurance career in 1979 and was elected to the Arkansas House in the same year. Bobby served as an Arkansas State Representative for 20 years while maintaining his business.

During his legislative career, Bobby served as house speaker for two consecutive terms. He also served as the national chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council during this time.

Following his legislative service, he established a lobbying business, Bobby Hogue & Associates, from which he retired in 2013.

A lifelong Methodist, he remained active in the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce and in the Jonesboro Exchange Club so long as his health allowed.

Bobby was an ardent fan of traditional archery and enjoyed spending his leisure time outdoors, hunting, fishing, traveling and camping with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Frankie of the home; daughters, Michelle (John) Brown and Lauren (Richard) Grantham of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Elizabeth Brawner of Wynne, Jackson Harmon, Hayden Harmon, Keats Grantham and Cooper Grantham, all of Jonesboro; niece, Pam (Donnie) Durley of Como, Miss.; lifelong best friend, Gene Smith of Lake Cormorant, Miss.; and close family members who provided special care and comfort during his extended illness, Jimmie Sneed and Eddie Burris.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his sister, Phillis Grehan.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Other services will be private.

For any memorials, the family suggests the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, P.O. Box 2097, Jonesboro 72402, or the NEA Humane Society, 6111 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro 72401.

Online registry: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/jonesboro