J. R. Burroughs

J. R. Burroughs, age 88, a longtime resident of Hot Springs, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Born May 25, 1936 at Bismarck, he was a son of the late O. C. Burroughs and Mary Beene Burroughs. A 1954 graduate of Bismarck High School, he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1958 and his Master's degree in 1967, both from Henderson State University.
Mr. Burroughs worked in public education for 38 years. He moved to Hot Springs in 1958 and began as a math teacher, then as a junior high school guidance counselor, and later as principal at both Greenwood and Gardner Elementary Schools. He retired in 1995 and considered education as his life's greatest achievement. Meeting former students, teachers, and parents gave him great pleasure.
For many years, he was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs and became a member of St. James United Methodist Church when he moved to Little Rock in early 2024.
Mr. Burroughs' favorite hobby was working on his farm in Bismarck. He enjoyed raising and selling registered Polled Hereford cattle.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Sheila Smith Burroughs, whom he married on June 15, 1958 at Hawley Memorial Methodist Church in Pine Bluff; two children, Robert Burroughs and wife Cindy of Hot Springs and Rhonda Burroughs Izard and husband Mark of Little Rock; his siblings, Gary Burroughs and wife Muriel of Bismarck and sister, Trecea Horton of Haskell; three grandsons, Steven Burroughs, Carter Izard, and Walter Izard; a great-granddaughter, Trinity Reynolds (Kyle); a great-great-grandson, Nolan; along with loving nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
There will be a private service. The family wishes for friends to make memorial contributions to St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212; or to Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.