Roy Glenn Fears

Roy Glenn Fears, 76, of Elm Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026. Roy was born January 11, 1950, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Omer and Sally Fears. He spent his early years in Van Buren before moving to Springdale at age 12 to live with his older brother Earl. Springdale became home, where he attended school, formed lifelong friendships, and developed a love of sports that remained with him throughout his life. Roy grew up with four siblings: his oldest brother Earl, his twin brother Coy, brother Randy, and sister Velma (Peg) Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers. He is survived by his sister Peg and her husband, Hill, of Van Buren, Arkansas. Roy graduated from Springdale High School in 1968 and earned his degree from the University of Arkansas in 1973. In 1966, Roy met Cheryl Hovey. They married in 1970 and spent the next 56 years raising their family, welcoming daughters-in-law and eventually becoming Papa and Jojo to a beloved group of grandchildren. They made their final home in Elm Springs, where family remained at the center of their lives. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Roy began his coaching career at Central Junior High before moving to Springdale High School. While he loved sports, his greatest passion was mentoring the young people he coached. He believed in hard work, doing things the right way, and helping others recognize their potential. To many, he was simply Coach Fears. Though the wins and losses faded with time, the lessons he taught and the respect he showed others endured. Following the births of his first two sons, Roy left coaching to begin a career in insurance and provide for his growing family. Even so, he remained deeply connected to Springdale sports, spending many Friday nights scouting football games for Springdale High School. With four sons growing up in Springdale, there was always a game, practice, or activity to attend. Roy and Cheryl raised John David, Matt, Jason and Michael in the community that had given Roy his own start. Like their father, all four boys were active in sports and school activities. Sports remained an important part of Roy's life long after his coaching days. For 25 years, he served as an official basketball scorekeeper for the University of Arkansas, spending countless nights and weekends courtside doing something he loved. He also served on the Springdale Civil Service Commission from 1998 to 2005. Roy is survived by Cheryl, his wife; his sons and their families: John David and Melissa Fears of Elm Springs, Matt Fears of Springdale, Jason and Sarah Fears of Tontitown, and Michael and Soraya Fears of Conroe, Texas. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph Glenn Fears. Roy was a proud Papa to Ben, Claire, Jesse, Dixie, Jackson, Vivian, Scarlett, Hunter, and Joe. His grandchildren were a tremendous source of joy and a lasting Fears family legacy. Retirement never slowed Roy down. He drove a school bus for St. Joseph Catholic School in Tontitown and remained active at St. Joseph Catholic Church, helping with bingo and other events. He continued doing what he loved most: showing up for people and staying involved in his community. Roy was a husband, dad, Papa, brother, coach, and friend. From the athletes he coached, to his own children and grandchildren, to the students he drove to school, much of his life was devoted to encouraging and supporting young people. His impact reached far more lives than he likely ever realized. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former players, and the many people fortunate enough to know him. The family will hold a private ceremony Friday morning. Beginning at noon Friday, family and friends are invited to the Fears home for a Celebration of Life. Guests are welcome throughout the afternoon and evening to share stories, spend time together, and celebrate Roy's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Tontitown, Ozark Catholic Academy, or to the American SIDS Institute in honor of Roy and his son, Joseph Glenn.

Roy Glenn Fears

January 11, 1950 - September 12, 2026