Biography: Robert “Bob” Cortinez Sr., 86, left us on September 30, 2024, to be with his beloved wife of 62 years, Kay, who predeceased him on January 26, 2024.
 
Bob was born in Armistead, Louisiana on Nov. 2, 1937, to Gus and Irene Cortinez. He grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and graduated from Fair Park High School in 1955.  Bob loved to regale his family with the story of how in 1954, he and his brother, Stanley Eugene, snuck into the Louisiana Hayride to see a new 19-year-old singing sensation, named Elvis Presley. 
 
Upon graduating high school, Bob joined the U.S. Army and completed the arduous 101st Airborne and Army Ranger training at Ft. Benning, Georgia and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Upon completion of his training, he was awarded the coveted 101st Airborne Ranger designation.
 
In 1957, Bob Cortinez was deployed to Little Rock, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne to escort the “Little Rock Nine” into Central High School. This pivotal moment in our nation’s desegregation history allowed nine black students to courageously and safely integrate Little Rock Central High. This historic event as a young soldier helped shape Bob’s core values, his belief system, and his principles of fairness and equality for the rest of his life.  
 
After his active-duty assignment, Bob joined the Army Reserves. Bob then met and married the love of his life, Kay Heinrichs, while attending college at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La.  After graduating from Northwestern, he attended and graduated from officer candidate school, and retired from the Army as a full bird Colonel.
 
Bob loved telling the story of his first “real” job in Houma, La. He was hired as a claims adjuster for oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. After observing inequitable and unfair practices between the oil industry and families working in the gulf, he decided to attend law school to make a difference.   Bob enrolled and graduated from the Univ. of Arkansas School of Law, while his wife Kay worked as a teacher, and somehow, the couple managed  to raise three children, with one on the way!   
 
Upon graduating from law school, Bob and Kay relocated to Little Rock Arkansas. As fate would have it, Little Rock was the Cortinez family home for Bob and his wife Kay, for over 50 years. Bob and Kay’s children and grandchildren graduated from LR Central, Kay retired as a teacher from LR Central, and Bob practiced law in Little Rock his entire career.
  
Bob began practicing law in 1973 and represented over a thousand people in Central Arkansas, with offices in Little Rock and Pine Bluff.  He always geared his practice toward the underrepresented and those who needed help the most. On Jan.  1, 2024, Bob was awarded the status of Attorney Emeritus by the Arkansas Supreme Court honoring 50 years of practicing law.  During his extensive legal career Bob Cortinez did indeed make a “difference” in countless lives, inside and outside the courtroom.  
 
Bob Cortinez was truly a man for all seasons.  His charisma, genuineness, kindness, and love of life defined his personality and touched all who met him. His influence on generations of family, and the everyday man and woman, cannot be measured by words alone. “Mr. C”, as he was known by many who loved him, was quick with a joke and always had a smile on his face.    He will be dearly missed, and his presence will be forever remembered.
 
Bob is predeceased by his wife Kay Cortinez and their three children, Cheryl, Donna and Scott Cortinez. He is survived by his son Robert Cortinez, his wife Elizabeth and their children, Trey, Carly and Caleb Cortinez; Kay’s cherished sisters Mimi Heinrichs & Tricia Spione (Vince). “Papa” Bob also leaves behind his grandchildren - Courtny Stricklin (Casey), Sarah Ferguson, Cody Cortinez; great grandchildren - Abby, Emma, and Lily McGarrah, Ruby Logan, Adeline McNew; great-great grandchildren, Westyn and Hastyn McHam; nephews Shane Cortinez (Joanna), Jon, Dougal and Corrigan Neralich. 
 
The family would also give thanks to their plus-one family member, Tracy Warren Page (Charlie) for her friendship, love and support for Bob Cortinez over these many, wonderful years.
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a veteran’s organization, the Arkansas Food Bank, or Our House.
 
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Oct. 10, 2024, at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock, AR, 72212.  Funeral arrangements are provided by RuebelFuneralHome.com