Robert Vernon Sullenger

Robert Vernon Sullenger


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Feb 11th, 2015

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  • Death Date: Feb 11, 2015

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Biography: Robert Vernon Sullenger, Sr. (Bob) passed away February 11, 2015 in Little Rock. He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on Dec. 16, 1929, the son of Adron and Lovie Sullenger. Bob graduated from East St. Louis High School, Little Rock Junior College, Henderson State University (BSE), University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (MSE), and Southern Illinois University (Ph.D.). Bob was a starting tackle on the 1949 undefeated Little Rock Junior College football team, finishing the season with a win in the Little Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. He served two years (1952-54) in the US Army. In 1992, he retired as an educator with forty years of service in the Little Rock and Pulaski County School Districts. He served as a teacher, coach, and administrator to thousands of students throughout his career. He coached football and track for ten years during the early days of Hall High School, leading the track team to a state championship. He was also the first head football coach at Parkview High School. His last 12 years, he served as Principal of Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adron and Lovie Sullenger; his son Robert Vernon Sullenger Jr., and two sisters, Opal Shanklin of Collinsville, Illinois and Lucile Lindsey of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Beverly Canaday Sullenger; daughter Sandra Register and husband Ellis ?Scooter? of Little Rock; brother Richard Sullenger and wife Ruby of Largo, Florida; sister Dorothy Dennis of Barrington, Rhode Island; five grandchildren, Robert Sullenger III, Patrick Sullenger and wife Caroline, Randi Register Smith and husband Brian, Toni Register Tucker and husband Clarke, Joseph Sullenger and wife Laura; five great-grandchildren, Patrick Payton Sullenger, Everett Ellis Tucker, Robert Whittington Sullenger, William Jackson Sullenger, and Marion Francis Tucker. Bob was a member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church in Little Rock. He believed that a life with God present each and every day is what allowed him to persevere through the years. There were many positive events in his life, but he thought the most significant was when he met Beverly while attending Little Rock Junior College in 1949, a relationship that led to their marriage in 1953. Being able to spend quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren after retirement was a great joy for Bob. The children brightened his days and put a smile on his face. He and Beverly also enjoyed their weekend visits to their condominium on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. They enjoyed the excitement of going to Oaklawn Race Track as well. Bob also was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and could often be found spending his summer and fall days cheering them on. The family wishes to thank Dr. Joseph Beck and his nurses Karen and Pat, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Dr. Dean Kumpuris, Dr. Drew Kumpuris, Dr. Claudia Tolleson, Dr. Brian Bean, and Dr. Clark Smith for their compassionate care during his lengthy illness. Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral home on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Ruebel Funeral Home with burial services to follow at Pinecrest Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com Memorials may be made to Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211.

Condolences(27)
Fred Wanger
#27
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Coach Sullenger's 1966 Little Rock Hall Track Team won the State Championship breaking Little Rock Central's long string of track championships. It was an extraordinary achievement. He was an excellent football and track coach and a very fine man.
Tommie Kelly
#26
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I attended the funeral service of Dr. Sullenger with the intention of comforting his family, however I became the recipient instead of the giver. The service was touching, inspirational and uplifting. The love and respect of all in attendance - former colleagues, students, friends and family were representative of a life well lived in service to God and the community. Dr. Sullenger was a remarkable man and he has left a legacy of an outstanding family who will carry on his acts of service in the arenas of public education and state government. God Speed to the Sullenger, Register, Tucker and Smith families.
JaneAnn Bilon
#25
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
It was an honor to work for Dr. Sullenger at Sylvan Hills High School. My condolences to his family.
Joy Dennis
#24
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Uncle Bob,
I will miss you so much. You always had a good or funny story to tell. Whether it was you, Robbie, and the ambushing Herman or the defense you gave to Nana for your and Uncle Dick's late arrival for dinner, you managed to make us laugh and sometimes scratch our heads.

I will miss you, but I know I will see you someday because you are with Jesus in Heaven.

Love,
Joy
Dorothy Dennis
#23
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob,
I miss you greatly, but thee is no more pain for you. I hope to see you again some day. I have many memories to look back of.
L
Love you,
Your sister Dorothy
Joy Thompson
#22
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am sorry for your loss! The Sullenger family has always been the kindest family to me. Coach will be missed by so many people who have been touched by the life of such a wonderful man! His legacy will live on through his wonderful children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I will keep all of you in my prayers!
deborah adkins
#21
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
TO THE SULLENGER FAMILY I REMEMBER COACH SULLENGER
AS VICE PRINCIPAL WHEN I WENT PARKVIEW AS A MEMBER OF LITTLE ROCK PARKVIEW CLASS OF 1974 GRADUATE THE LITTLE ROCK PARKVIEW CLASS OF 1974
ALUMNI WHICH IAM A MEMBER OF ARE GOING TO MISS COACH SULLENGER VERY MUCH
deborah adkins
#20
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
To the sullenger family he is going to be miss
bye the alumni from little rock Parkview high school
Kim
#19
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
At such a time is this...I would like to extend my warmest sympathy to you and the family at-large Sandra and "Scooter" Register. Love Kim Holland and Family
Patty Snipes
#18
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
He was part of the first years of Parkview. I was a student but always considered him part of "us"'.....the beginning of a great high school!
Wayland Rusty Roberts
#17
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Games over, Coach won! Coach Sullenger left his world a better place than he found it. He gave more than he took. His positive influence on men will ripple on. You can't beat that!
Chip Welch
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Coach was a good man. He worked for many years with my mom at Hall. Cheryl and I send our love and prayers.

Chip and Cheryl Welch
Sue Clayton
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Sullenger regarding his passing. I taught at Sylvan Hills High School during his years as principal and thought him to be a strong administrator and an honorable man. May The Lord grant his family comfort and peace not only at this time, but always.
Webb Hubbell
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Coach will be missed by thousands of men and women his presence influenced. God speed.
Clint Saxton
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Coach Sullenger was very good to me and I appreciate all he did for us to become state champions. I'm convinced that his workouts of having us run repeats up the the Hughes St. hill was a major reason why we won the championship. No doubt that persevering through his workouts helped all of us deal with life's challenges.
mike mcgibbony
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob was a good man and a good friend. I will miss him. He had a good life and was a significant part of many people's lives.
Susan Smith
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Praying for a very special family. May you find comfort in the days ahead with the wonderful memories you will always have. Much love to each of you.
KIM HOOKS
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am proud to have had Coach Sullenger as a major part of my early life. My thoughts of him will always bring a smile to my face. My prayers are with you all.
Dub Allen
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Goodbye Coach. Great coach and friend.
Larry Sneed
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We lost a good man. At Hall High School he was always Coach Sullenger to me.You will be missed by many. RIP Coach
Patty Enderlin
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Sandra and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful husband father and mentor to many young people whose lives he touched. You are all in my prayers.
Jim Lorenz
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
From Pulaski Heights to LR Hall thanks for being a great coach and friend.
Grady Wahlquist
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
He was "Coach" Sullenger, to me, at Parkview High School. He was a leader of boys that provided the type of leadership needed to help us become responsible young men. He was "old school" tough. Yet, I heard him speak with single parent mothers that wanted their sons to be on the football team so they would be around a positive male role model. He took them in. He was exactly what we needed then, and now. Thank you. RIP Coach.
Janice Sanders Callahan
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I'm so sorry for your loss. Aunt Ruby called me this morning to tell me of Uncle Richard's brother's passing. I never met him but just wanted to express my sympathy to the family, on behalf of Uncle Richard and Aunt Ruby. (I'm a niece of Aunt Ruby... dau. of her late brother).
I'll keep your family in my prayers.
With love, sympathy and prayers,

Janice Sanders Callahan
Arnold, MO
Pat jones
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We lost a very good man. Thanks coach for lots of things!
Deborah Cline
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Mrs. Register, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please know that I am thinking of you during this time, and I will be praying for you and your family.
sherry holt
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Bob was a good man and and will be greatly missed.

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