Floyd Dupwe, Sr., 97, of Jonesboro, died Friday at his home. As a native and life-long resident of Jonesboro, he was instrumental in building several schools in the community. For all of his adult life – and most of his younger years – Floyd Dupwe, Sr. worked with his hands and the earth … if it were organic he loved it. He was a Field Supervisor for Bertig Cotton Company in Paragould for many years and then he later worked as a cotton grader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Floyd was a vegetable gardener for most of his life and was noted in the community for his tomato’s.

Floyd was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, 1 sister and a daughter-in-law: Kathleen Dupwe. Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Mary Lucy Evans Dupwe, married November 8, 1936. Yes, for 72 years … think about that for a moment.

He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Martha and Mickey Stafford of Jonesboro; 2 Sons and daughter-in-law: Floyd Dupwe, Jr., and Warren and Mila Dupwe, all of Jonesboro; 4 Grandchildren: Sherrie Mitchell, Doug Dupwe, Russell Dupwe and Brian Stafford and his wife, Jenine; and 2 Great Grandchildren: Meagan Mitchell and Cody Dupwe.

My earliest years around Uncle Floyd were highly memorable. Particularly because visits to Jonesboro (from Memphis) were a  summer time tradition. My grandmother and great grandmother would pack up the car and then we (including my sister) would take a vacation. Heck, we (my sister and I) were already on vacation because we’re enjoying three months (!) with Momma Sue and Granny. So traveling to Jonesboro for a week (usually in July) was considered a vacation within a vacation. If you know what that is then you’ve lived a good life.

The trip to Jonesboro from Memphis was a slower excursion than it is today. Back in the 60’s, the road was just a two-lane country route from the outskirts of Memphis (West Memphis Arkansas) all the way to Jonesboro. It was lined with small towns, flooded potholes, plenty of ‘parking lot stops’ for slowing moving farm implements and traffic in general. Mid way we usually stopped for a bio break – and for a sweet treat at the “milk shake shack.” I have no idea what the real name of the milk shake shack was, but the peppermint shakes served there were AWESOME.

When we visited Aunt Lucy and Uncle Floyd, we’d spend a whole week with them. Uncle Floyd always wanted to show us his garden and give us a tour of the fields. I thought he was kewl guy because he had a tractor and would haul us around behind it. It felt dangerous and exciting, but in fact it wasn’t. When we visited Aunt Lucy and Uncle Floyd, watermelon and ice-cream made the short list of foods we consumed (these were indeed on the short list of our personal, primary food groups). We’d certainly eat lots of home grown veggies, but the fresh fruits and homemade ice-cream that topped off huge meals were particularly enjoyable.

During our stay, we’d fish nearby ponds, play games at night and ‘just visit.’ There was lots of joy, happiness and love among family. Every person in the Dupwe family, although they are my cousins, were addressed as either aunts or uncles. To this day I still address them with an aunt or uncle preface.

Trips to Jonesboro, Arkansas (as a kid and now as an adult) stand out as some of best memories, and best vacations, of my life.

I’m blessed to have known Floyd Dupwe, Sr., Uncle Floyd, and he will be missed.

Peace.