MARBLE HILL -- Milford C. Runnels, 74, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Thursday, Aug. 17, 1995, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

He was a native of Marble Hill. Runnels received a bachelor of science degree from Southeast Missouri State University, and a master's degree in administration from the University of Wyoming.

Runnels taught school in a one-room school, served as high school principal, and was superintendent of schools four years in Missouri.

He graduated from the FBI Academy and joined the organization in 1950. He was assigned to duty stations in Washington, D.C.; San Francisco, Calif.; West Memphis, Little Rock, Paragould and Jonesboro, Ark. He retired as a special agent in 1976.

Runnels was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and attained the rank of captain.

Survivors include his wife, the former Betty Clark; a son, Stephen Runnels of Jonesboro; two daughters, Sandra Puryear of Jonesboro, Carol Welch of Robinson, Ill.; two brothers, Tom Runnels of Marble Hill, Don Runnels of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Margie Liley of Marble Hill, and six grandchildren.

Friends may call at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro from 6-8 p.m. today.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Jonesboro, with the Rev. Jay Rabuck officiating.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill.

Announcement courtesy of Liley Funeral Home.