Troy Clarence Masters Jr.

Troy Clarence Masters Jr., 92, of Mena, beloved husband, father, grandfather, died Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 at his home. He was born Oct. 2, 1920, to Troy Clarence Masters Sr. and Stella Cecil Masters at Board Camp, Ark. "T. C.," as he was known by all, had a true passion for learning. He taught himself electronics, which led to his being an early pioneer of cable television. He built the second cable system in Arkansas in 1953, there being only about 200 systems nationwide at that time. He was a respected businessman, always considered a man of integrity and honesty. After retiring from 30 years in the cable business, he was able to devote full-time to his long-time love of photography. Many of his photos are hung in businesses and homes across the area. He taught many of his children and grandchildren the skills of using a camera and also taught them the joy of using a camera to capture the beauty of nature and of family. His photography was also reflected in his interest in astronomy and observing the skies. He presented each of his grandchildren with photos he had taken of Haley's Comet. His love of photography was matched only by his love of reading and his life-long search for knowledge in many subjects. Mr. Masters served in WWII as a civilian employee of the Army Transportation Corps, working on ships that transported troops or prisoners to and from Europe and South America. T. C. was a pilot and flew for pleasure for many years. Known for his devotion to and love of his family, he set lifelong examples for all of them — his kindness, his steadfastness, his patience, always looking for the best in others, always making time for others, never critical, always honorable and always so giving. Other than being with his family, T. C. was never happier than when he was in the outdoors, hiking, camping, or traveling in his motor home with his wife, Helen. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 72 years, Helen Wagoner Masters; one son, David Masters, granddaughter, Alyson Masters and grandson Alex Masters; brothers, Arnold Gene Masters, Donald Masters and Travis Masters and sisters, Dorothy Campbell, Daphne Downing, Eva Lee Andreatta and Imogene Standridge. T.C. is survived by his children, Jerry Masters and wife Karen of Little Rock, Barbara Shepard and husband, Mike of Mena, Betty Gilbert and husband, Martin of Fayetteville, Tim Masters and wife, Lisa of Mena; daughter-in-law, Martha Masters of Mena; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. The family would like to especially thank and express their deep gratitude to Tim and Lisa for their constant and devoted care of Daddy for the past two years. The family also appreciates all the home caregivers and hospice staff and volunteers that have provided so much help and support to the family. The family request that memorials be made to Ouachita Regional Hospice, 1106 South Mena St., Mena, Ark. 71953. Funeral services will be Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mena, Ark. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Bowser Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation. The family will receive friends at the family home, 801 North Polk, Mena. Pallbearers will be T.C.'s nine grandsons, Brent, Scott and Jason Masters, Jeff and Travis Eddleman, Marty, Patrick and Troy Gilbert, and Neal Del Rio. Online guestbook: www.bowserffh.com.