Roy Lee Isreal

Mr. Roy Lee Isreal Tenderfoot passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at his residence surrounded by his family and friends. Age 72 years. He was born August 31, 1941 in Sparkman, Arkansas to Luvenia Henderson Knight and James Isreal.
Roy Lee graduated from Sparkman High School in 1960 where he played both basketball and baseball. In 1960 his team, the Sparkman Tigers won the Arkansas State Basketball Championship. He will be remembered by many for playing in the Arkansas Negro Baseball League. This was a major contribution as a young man. He gave his life to Christ at an early age before relocating to Saginaw, Michigan. Roy was a deacon at Saint James AME Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas. He retired from Saginaw Malleable Iron Foundry in 1990. Roy was a dedicated employee for over 25 years. After retiring, he was residing between Sparkman, Arkansas and Saginaw, Michigan until he was unable to travel. He enjoyed playing dominos, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Roy always looked forward to Sundays gatherings. He loved to travel and go on cruises. He will be missed by many for his great sense of humor and jokes.
He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 28 years, Gloria Jones Isreal; three sons, Bernard (Joann) Halton of Memphis, Tennessee, Marcus (Brenda) Isreal of Sparkman, Arkansas and Tory (Latonsha) Jones Twilley of Saginaw, Michigan; four daughters, Charlotte (Earnest) Isreal-Sanders of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Dorothy Jones, Angela Jones and Kristen Isreal, all of Saginaw, Michigan; seventeen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Christina (Lee Henry) Johnson of Sparkman, Arkansas and Shelia Delemar of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; four brothers, Jimmy and Rufus Isreal, both of Camden, Arkansas, James and Paul Isreal, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two brothers-in-law, Thelbert (Loisfaye) Jones of Sparkman, Arkansas and Larry Jones of Saginaw, Michigan; one sister-in-law, Exie Jones Robinson of Saginaw, Michigan; three aunts, Sarah Hailey and Lovie Henderson, both of Sparkman, Arkansas and Rosie Henderson of Detroit, Michigan; a special cousin, Tyrone Phillips; a host of nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends including special friends, Dale Bond, Nathanial Winston, Don Pinwheel, Jimmy Pinwheel and Robert Young.
Roy Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Luvenia Henderson Knight and James Isreal; step-father, Chester Knight; father and mother-in-law, Elgie and Ophelia Jones Sr.; one son, Kenneth Allen Isreal; one sister, Mary Louise Isreal-Pace; one brother, Willie James Isreal; one brother-in-law, Elgie Jones Jr.; grandchildren , Cornilous Isreal and Cornesha Halton; two uncles, Henry and Richard Henderson; two aunts, Betty Wade and Beatrice Jones.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, Reverence Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Eventure Bernardino and Dr. Michael Cappelli.
Visitation: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries
Service Plans: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries