Roy Gene Staggs

Roy Gene Staggs of Lufkin, Texas, formerly of Ashdown, Arkansas, died July 14, 2023. Born October 3, 1936, he was the son of Allen Clyde and Nora Petet Staggs. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Judy Shirley; and brother, Allen Clyde, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Myrna Kirton Staggs; and daughters, Sharon Hunter of Lufkin, Texas and Gena Runnion (Bob) of Greenville, South Carolina. He was particularly proud of his grandchildren, Mindy Northrop (Brent), Ryan Brewer (Megan), Kell Runnion, and Lily Runnion, as well as his great-grandchildren, Finley Northrop, Anna Brewer, and Nash Northrop. It goes without saying that he spoiled them all and loved his family fiercely. Roy was a member of the Richmond United Methodist Church.

Roy graduated from De Queen High School in 1954. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force near the end of the Korean War. After completing his military service, Roy enjoyed an early career in the banking industry, then motel ownership of the A-OK Motel. He was instrumental in revitalizing Millwood Country Club and said his favorite endeavor was raising watermelons with his good friend, Herb McCandless. He owned a local business, Carpets Etc., where he was able to visit people all over Southwest Arkansas, meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Always the politician, Roy served the City of Ashdown as Mayor from 1975 – 1980, at a time when the town experienced growth with Millwood Lake tourism and the early years of what was then Nekoosa Edwards Paper Mill.

Roy had a special love for fishing and passed it on to his grandson, Ryan. He was a great storyteller and you were lucky to be on the receiving end of one of his tales. He was a master griller, never meeting a piece of meat he couldn’t marinate and grill to near perfection, and loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. Roy never met a stranger or a cup of coffee he didn’t like.

Per his wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richmond United Methodist Church, 935 Little River 17, Ashdown, Arkansas 71822. Roy always said that “it doesn’t cost anything to be kind to someone else.” He would have loved an act of kindness to honor his memory.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.