Mr. Arthur Royce Linton, 92, died peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his home in Oxford, MS, surrounded by his family. One could think of no better way to go. There are no services planned at this time.
Mr. Linton was born on September 3, 1930, in Meridian, MS to the late Arthur Ferris and Lina Baggett Linton. He worked in the construction field as a contractor and builder, but for many years, his primary focus in life was in ministry. Mr. Linton first earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Mississippi State University, before continuing to Emory University in Georgia where he earned his Master’s in Divinity. Armed with the knowledge from years of study and genuine desire to serve, he began his lifetime of ministry to others. Mr. Linton served first as a Methodist minister beginning in 1951, a career that would span over 20 years. During this time, he would serve in both Georgia and Mississippi, before becoming the director of the Wesley Foundation at The University of Mississippi in 1969. After much prayer and consideration, Mr. Linton answered the tug at his heart to retire from ministry to pursue a career in mental health and counseling services. He began his work in marriage and family counseling, then later transitioned to drug and alcohol abuse, and finally a drug and rehab specialist. With many years of wisdom and a keen ability to connect with people, he stepped into this new role determined to help others. With his empathetic heart and gentle guidance, he impacted the lives of so many people under his care. After many years of service to others, he found peace and solace in his construction work, establishing LL Custom Cabinets. Having learned all that he knew about woodwork from his owner father, it felt like coming home. The work wasn’t always easy, but it satisfied his soul. He found great enjoyment in nature as an avid fisherman and huntsmen. A member of Oxford Flying Club, Mr. Linton was a small aircraft pilot, spending many hours amongst the clouds.
Despite his commitment to his life’s work, Mr. Linton still managed to be a present and loving father and spouse. His education and experience in ministry provided him with a well-rounded outlook on life. He had a quiet and gentle nature, was intelligent and well-spoken, while still humble and kind. As a father, Mr. Linton was deeply involved and ever-present in the lives of his children, providing for them a firm foundation that they could always fall back on. He was married for 47 years to his dear wife, Cynthia, together sharing a special and unique relationship built on so much love and respect for one another. In all things, Mr. Linton remained a faithfully at service to others and lovingly devoted to his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Hollingsworth and his son, Barry Linton.
Mr. Linton is survived by his wife, Cynthia F. Linton of Oxford, MS; daughters, Phyllis Linton of Gulfport, MS and Cynthia G. Linton of Oxford, MS; step-daughters, Ginger Harrel and her husband, Danny of Oxford, MS, Susannah Furr of Cary, North Carolina, Libby Furr and her husband, Dean Worsham of Oxford, MS; son, Leslie Linton and his fiancé, Angela Alvis of Daphne, AL; brother, Bernard Linton of Huntsville, AL; as well as nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mr. Linton’s memory may be made to American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20852 or online at americankidneyfund.org.
