Roy Edward Osborn

Roy Edward (Ed) Osborn, 89, went home to meet his Lord and Savior on May 13, 2021. Ed was born to Roy Monroe and Myrtle Hartley Osborn January 24, 1932 in Okolona, AR. They later moved to Rosedale, NM where he graduated high school and attended New Mexico A&M College in Las Cruces, NM.

While attending college, Ed was elected music director for the Baptist Student Union and also led music at local churches. During his second year of college he and his friends started the Rambling Aggies and performed at local events. Ed was the first to leave the band but they continued on as the Aggie Ramblers for 30 years. Ed moved to Abilene, TX where he was invited to sing on the Slim Willet weekly TV program. Ed was offered a recording contract, but since he promised the Lord to never sing in a bar, he declined and moved to Denver City, TX to lead music at his brother in-law’s church.

While cruising Main Street in Denver City, TX, he met his future wife, Janice and introduced himself as Fermundo Gonzalez. It wasn’t until several weeks after that she learned his name was Eddie. They married in 1958 and Ed returned to college in 1959 and where he earned his BA degree in History. They later moved to El Paso, TX where they had three children, Robert, Judy, and Brenda.

In 1973, Ed and Janice moved to Little Rock, AR, where Ed worked various construction jobs. This experience led him to a position with the City of Little Rock as residential building codes inspector in 1981. Ed was then promoted to Building Inspection Supervisor, retiring in 2006 after 25 years.

Ed also served as the director of music at various Baptist churches in the Little Rock area and could also be found singing and playing his guitar at the Union Gospel Rescue Mission. Ed welcomed the opportunity to sing and play his guitar and many have enjoyed singing and playing with him. Ed enjoyed gardening and shared the bounty of his delicious produce with many. He also enjoyed his time in his workshop, using his craftsmanship to build things for his family and friends. Ed freely shared his handiwork with those he loved. Ed shared his love and compassion with so many, and it was returned to him multiplied.

Edward is survived by his wife of 62 years who he always loved more, Janice Osborn. He is also survived by sister, Alta Jesko of Las Vegas, NV; by his son, Robert and wife Judy of Cabot, AR, and daughters Judy Frisk and husband Billy of Big Flats, NY, and Brenda Bell and husband Mike of Poplar Bluff, MO; 8 grandchildren, Darren (and Lauren) Bell, Rebecca (and Andrew) Bell Wright, Teri (and Mike) Bell Johnson, Michael Rivers, Michelle (and Chris) Rivers Alvarez, Devin (and Misty) Osborn, Sharayah Crockett, and Melissa (and Zach) Sutton; 10 great grandchildren; Wyatt, Beau and Owen Crocket; Libby Mae, Allie, and Mara Johnson; Noelle, Christian, and Elijah Alvarez; Charlotte Vivian Wright.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Myrtle, sister Hildreth Hutcheson, and brother Ray Osborne. Even in his last days, Ed still had his wonderful sense of humor. His family was fortunate enough to laugh and share their love with him at his home in Cabot, AR.

Visitation will be Monday, May 17, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, North Little Rock. Funeral service will be Tuesday May 18 at the funeral home beginning at 2:30 pm, with Tim Baize officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Hills Memorial Park. The service can be viewed via Facebook Live on the funeral home page.

A special thank you to Judy Osborn, Sharayah Crockett, and LaDonna, Mikayla, Trisha, and the staff at Arkansas Hospice. The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Arkansas Hospice who demonstrated extraordinary care and compassion for Edward and our family throughout his transition to his eternal home.