Biography: The last child of the late Governor Carl E. and Margaret Bristol Bailey has passed.
Richard Robert (Bob) Bailey, age 91 died on June 16, 2021 in Little Rock. Born February 18, 1930, in Little Rock and, except for 2 years in the Air Force and 4 years in college, chose to live in Little Rock. He considered himself greatly blessed in his marriages to Nancy Anne Hall for 54 years and to Elsie Weaver Mears for 8 years. He is survived by his son, Ric Bailey (Lori) of Little Rock. Also survived by nieces, Sharon Lessenberry of Conway, Christy Chilcott of Frisco, TX, Mary Lamb of Little Rock, Becky Wagner (Mark) of Little Rock, Kathleen O'Connor (Pat) of Little Rock and nephews, Frank Bailey, Jr. (Paula) of Centennial, CO and Mark Benton (Virginia) of Conway. Carl Williams, Jr. (Susan) of Port Charlotte, FL and step-daughter Leslie Karen Golden (Gary) of LittleRock also survive. While not blessed with grandchildren of his own, he loved his extended family from his marriage to Elsie.....including grandsons, Adam & Ryan Golden, granddaughter, Sara (Jeff) of Elkins, AR and her five daughters, I grandson Nash Bliss of Valley Springs, CA, and nieces, Kathy Weaver Shepherd (Ron) of Venice, FL, and Kelley Weaver of Little Rock. Bob is also survived by several cousins, great-nephews and nieces and step-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by daughter, Anne Hall Bailey, brothers, Carl E., Jr., Frank A.(Warine & Dottie), R. Eugene (Dot), Alfred B., and sister Elizabeth Benton (Sherbert) of Conway.
Also predeceased by nephew Gene Bailey, Jr., great-nephew, Blake Benton and step-son, Michael Bliss.
Bob graduated from Little Rock High School in 1947. While at LRHS he lettered twice in track and won the state high jump competition in 1946. He attended Vanderbilt University on a Navy ROTC scholarship and was on the freshman track team. He transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he graduated in 1951, first in his Business College class, with honors. He received the George Currie Faucette Award as the outstanding senior in the college. After graduation he served from 1952 to 1954 as a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. After discharge he worked in the family business, The Carl Bailey Co., Inc. (a farm and power equipment dealership), sold the business in 1994, and retired.
Bob was involved in many organizations and activities, including Eagle Scout at age 14, Delta Sigma high school fraternity, Sigma Chi college social fraternity, Blue Key National Leadership Fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma honor business fraternity, Pulaski County Farm Bureau Board, Pulaski County 4-H Foundation Board, Kiwanis Club, LifeQuest, Gay Blades Dance Club, Political.Animals Club, Mid-South Farm Equipment Dealers Assoc., National Farm & Power Equipment Dealers Assoc., NFIB and was an original member of the Arkansas Agri. Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. He served as an officer in most of these organizations.
A long-time member of Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon, Elder and Clerk of the Session. For the past several years he was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and the Dietz Dialogue Sunday School Class at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.
With his son Ric they continued the presentation of the "Crip" Hall Award to the outstanding senior player in the annual Homecoming football game in Fayetteville. The award was originated by Ric's grandfather, C. G. "Crip" Hall. Memorials will be appreciated by Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, 72227, or any organization with a charitable or humanitarian purpose.
A viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2021 at Ruebel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Second Presbyterian Church, followed by a burial at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.