Family is big in Arkansas, and it stands to reason that family businesses are, as well.
Generational businesses are the backbone of business in the Natural State, and while we don’t claim to have a comprehensive list of every family operation out there, we nevertheless can shine a spotlight on some of the state’s prominent family-run stores, companies and firms.
Arkansas Money & Politics is proud to once again recognize generational businesses in Arkansas.
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Guiding families through some of the most challenging times of their lives has been the Roller family calling for three generations. After a time spent working for McClure Funeral Home in Mountain Home, Denver Roller purchased the business in 1938 and founded the first Roller Funeral Home alongside his wife, Christine. As the only mortician in a six-county area during World War II, Denver was tasked with serving on the homefront by continuing in his vital profession.
The Rollers then relocated to Little Rock in the 1950s, where they acquired Drummond Funeral Home. The acquisitions of Pence, Doolin and McNutt in Conway and Citizens in West Memphis between 1965 and 1968 were part of a series of expansions that would see the Roller name added to funeral homes across the state.
In addition to building up a network of quality funeral directors, Roller pioneered funeral care in Arkansas in other ways, as well. Roller Funeral Homes became the first in the state to offer prepaid funerals in 1968. Today, the Assured Peace Funeral Plan is still the leading plan of its kind in Arkansas, and through the affiliated Citizens Fidelity Insurance Co., Roller Funeral Homes offers families a variety of life insurance and pre-planning options to help cover final expenses. Roller also established the state’s first crematory in the 1970s.
By the time of Denver’s death in 1985, Roller Funeral Homes had grown to 13 funeral homes, five cemeteries and two crematories united under the white dove logo. The company now sits atop the industry as the largest provider in Arkansas of death care and has 24 funeral homes, nine cemeteries, two crematories and two flower shops.
“For us, being family-owned is more than just a business model — it’s a reflection of our values and our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Renata Jenkins Byler, third-generation owner and vice president of marketing and facilities at Denver Roller. “My family’s ownership ensures that I get to keep that important one-on-one connection with my coworkers. My door is always open to them.”
Each generation of the Roller family has had a hand in extending the company’s wide-ranging services. Sue Roller Jenkins, daughter of Denver and Chistine, and her husband, Lynn Jenkins, guided the company after Denver’s death and built Citizens Fidelity Insurance Co. into one of the state’s largest domestic companies. Renata’s husband, Tim Byler, is vice president of management information systems at Denver Roller.
“Being the third generation of my family operating Roller Funeral Homes is not just a responsibility; it’s a profound honor,” Jenkins Byler said. “It speaks volumes about the loyalty and trust that families have placed in us over the years. I’m honored to be here to carry on the legacy and receive their loyalty, knowing that we have made a positive impact on so many families.”
She grew up in the profession and has become a leader in the funeral industry in her own right, as well. She has held positions within the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association and has served as the state’s representative for the National Funeral Directors Association’s Policy Board. The Roller family established the Arkansas State University-Mountain Home funeral science program, and Jenkins Byler continues to serve on the ASUMH board of visitors, an advisory board to the chancellor. She also serves on the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College Foundation and Baptist Health Foundation boards.
Roller Funeral Homes demonstrated its commitment to its neighbors in particularly dramatic fashion in 2023, when the EF3 tornado that swept through Little Rock on March 31 severely damaged the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Roller was able to continue serving families thanks to a swell of local support, and the newly rebuilt Roller-Chenal location is expected to be complete next year.
“My vision for the future of Roller Funeral Homes is deeply rooted in the lessons I’ve learned from my grandfather, whose vision extended far beyond the first funeral home,” Jenkins Byler said. “I envision us expanding our reach across Arkansas while remaining steadfast in our commitment to personalized service and attention to detail, ‘With All Our Respect.’ Like my grandfather, I believe in never getting too comfortable and always being prepared to grow, ensuring that we can continue to serve our communities with excellence for generations to come.”
Feature photo: Lynn Jenkins, from left, Sue Roller Jenkins, Renata Jenkins Byler and Tim Byler
