John Robertson Anthony passed away peacefully at the age of 91 with his family by his side on January 23, 2023. John was born at home on January 10, 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression, to the late Lester D. and Maggie Ozella Quarles Anthony in Bearden, AR.  He was the second oldest of their eight children.

John graduated from Bearden High School in 1949. He was a 1948 Bearden representative for Arkansas Boys State at Camp Robinson. He played football and basketball for Bearden from 1946 through 1949. His first year of football was his sophomore year in 1946, the first year it was resumed after World War II. He was co-captain of football in 1948.

John was drafted on November 18, 1952 for military service in the United States Army.  He served as an Engineer Supply Specialist as a member of the S4 Section, 44th Engineer Group on construction during the Korean War. He served 18 months in Korea and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He received a citation for meritorious service in October, 1954 and was honorably discharged on November 17, 1954.

After his service in the Army, John returned to work at the Naval Ammunition Depot, then National Fireworks, in East Camden, as an Inspector. In September 1955, he resigned his position to attend college at Southern State College, now Southern Arkansas University, in Magnolia. After completing two years at Southern State, John enrolled at the University of Arkansas in 1957 to study engineering. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

John immediately began work for International Paper Company and retired from IP after 35 years working in the Bagpac and Wood Products divisions in Camden, AR, Mobile, AL and Gurdon, AR.  He enjoyed watching sports and attending his children and grandchildren’s sports endeavors.

John married Joy Carolyn Wilson on September 4, 1960. They raised three children together in a marriage that lasted 55 years until Joy’s death on March 3, 2016.  John was preceded in death by his wife Joy Carolyn Wilson, his parents, his sisters Maxine Ethridge and Jane McClain, and his brothers Glenn Anthony and Alan Anthony.

He is survived by his three children: Gary Anthony of Humble, TX, Kathy (Jimmy) King of Arkadelphia, AR, and Mike (Susan) Anthony of Bixby, OK; brothers: Lee Anthony of Benton, AR, Bill (Mary) Anthony of Bearden, AR and Dennis Anthony of Bearden, AR; grandchildren: Casey Jackson of Arkadelphia, AR, Bailey (Adam) Johnson of Dallas, TX, Jackson (Allie) Anthony of Norman, OK, Peter (Hannah) Anthony of Virginia Beach, VA, great-grandchildren: Madison Morris and Porter Jackson of Arkadelphia, AR.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, January 27, 2023, at Second Baptist Church with Rev. Stan Parris officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Second Baptist Church.

Interment will be in Moss Hill Cemetery near Bearden.

Memorials may be made to FCA, c/o Gary Crowder, 111 Pinnacle Dr Arkadelphia, AR 71923.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.