Robert M. Goff


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Jun 22nd, 2008

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  • Death Date: Jun 22, 2008

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Biography: Robert M. Goff was born August 8, 1917 in Tyler, Texas. His family moved to Fayetteville where he graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. and B.S. degree from the University of Arkansas in 1939. He went on to found his family business Goff and Associates, which grew to be a chain of ten grocery stores. He was a flight instructor during World War II teaching primary, secondary and cross country to future Navy and Army pilots. He left instructing to become first a pilot for the US Army Domestic Air Transport Command and then a commercial airline pilot for Chicago and Southern Airlines, now Delta Airlines. He owned Arkansas Aviation Enterprises, a crop dusting company, for which he also flew. In 1957 he was part of a group that developed the 18th franchise Holiday Inn in Hot Springs. In 1962 he and partners built the first Holiday Inn outside of the continental United States in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The family business currently owns the Crowne Plaza and the Hampton Inn and Suites in Little Rock. He was a former member of the Board of First United Methodist Church in Little Rock; a Mason, Shriner and Jester; President of the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America where he was awarded the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope; President of the Young Executives Club of the United States Wholesale Grocers Association and a charter member of the Supermarket Institute. He was a Rotarian at Club 99 for over 35 years and was honored with a Paul Harris fellow Award. He was a lifelong Razorback fan, not missing a homecoming game for over 50 years. He loved flying, hunting and traveling the world, but most of all he just loved doing. His "Friday Night Group" called him their "fearless leader" because he was the ultimate organizer. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Marian D. Goff, two sons, Bob Goff, Jr. (Jane) and Rick Goff (Linda); one daughter Julie Allen (Wally); one step son, Jamie Coates (Chris); two step daughters, Cindy Miller (Pat) and Robin Look (David); sixteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. His wife, Dorothy A. Goff, brother, Ralph D. Goff and sister Edith G. Diehl predeceased him. The family gives special thanks to his wonderful caregivers and friends Shelia Grind, John Hughes and Shirley Grooms. Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham, Little Rock on Monday from 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Little Rock on Tuesday at 2:00 PM officiated by the Rev. Dr. Michael Mattox. Arrangements under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 or Boy Scouts of America, 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202.

Condolences(20)
Rob Miller
#20
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I liked your site.
Jimbo McCain
#19
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I will always smile when I think of Mr.
Goff. He always had to shake your hand and give a huge smile no matter where you were. He would bring joy and happiness to all around him. I enjoyed fishing with him on Lake Michigan. His joy and laughter will be missed but the memories not forgotten.
William A. Smith
#18
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Julie, Ricky, Bobby

Judy and I want you to know we are thinking of you and praying for you. Remember, God is good and He is with you always.......
Doug Thompson
#17
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rick,
Cathy and I are saddened to hear about your Dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family during this time. Live in the memories.
Meredith McCoy
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Goffs and Allens, My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you. I truly admired your dad and his adventurous spirit, how-to mind, and positive enthusiasm that all could be done and done well. His goodness spilled over into a wonderful family and a legacy to be remembered. He will always be the Best of Arkansas. Meredith
Allen Kimbrough
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Some of my happiest memories are the times that "Brother Kimbrew" and "Sister Mary Esther Ruth Namomi" spent with the Friday Night Group going to Razorback games. Bob and Marian were such a delightful part of that group, and later it was our pleasure to get to know Robin and David. I like to think that Bob is organizing a meeting of the POETS up in Heaven and that Willie is clearing her throat to call those Hogs! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Gene Bale
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bobby, Rick and Julie
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a wonderful man and a true supporter of the Razorbacks and Arkansas as a whole.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you and your extended family
Gene Bale
James D Johnson
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bob, Rick and Julie & Wally, Senior was always a wonderful man to have as a friend and mentor. He will surely be missed my thoughts and prayers will always be with your family at this time.

Sincerely,
Chef Jim
Scotty & Carol Freebairn
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our deepest sympathy to the Goff families. Robert Goff was a tremendous success in every field in which he played, and an inspiration to all who knew him.
Jim and Becky Cantrell
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rick,

So sorry to get the email about your father. It is very hard to give up parents. We are thinking of you and your family.

Jim and Becky Cantrell
Tammy H. Porter
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My thoughts and prayers are with the Goff Family. I worked for a short time for Goff & Associates back in 1982. Mr. Goff was one of the nicest men I had met. May God comfort you during this time.
Mary Lou Thomas
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Thinking about you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Goff family.
Holiday Inn - Forrest City, Ar
Bobbie Hy-Gail
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Richard & Linda
I'm sorry learn to learn of Mr. Goff's death. You're both in my thoughts and prayers.
Bobbie Hy-Gail
Jackie & Sharron Smith
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bobby & Rick,
So sorry to learn of the death of your father. Even though he had a wonderful life, it is a difficult time when a parent leaves this world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Sincerely,
Jackie & Sharron Smith
Sarah Stringer
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Thinking about you,
Sarah and Jonathan Stringer
Ashley Ingalls
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I love all of you! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Robert was a special man and I have fond memories of him.
Love,
Ashley
Robert Highfill
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rick & Bobby;
My sincere condolences to you both for your loss. Thanks be to God that he lived a long and full life and leaves behind many wonderful memories that will always be with you. I fully understand what you are feeling at this time, having lost my father at the young age of 72 back in 1980. May your strong faith in God give you the strength to get through this very emotional time.

Your friend,
Bob
Becky Pruitt
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Mr. Goff and his entire family are an inspiration. What an energetic, enthusiastic entrepreneur he was! He was a joy to work for and will be dearly remembered.
Missy Alford Sanchez
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rick, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful father. You were fortunate to have him so long but losing a parent who has been such a large part of your life is never easy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Missy (Alford)
Randy Oates
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
The Razorbacks and the state of Arkansas have lost one of their biggest supporters and most ardent fan. Robert was a force to be reckoned with and as the legendary Fearless Leader organized many great trips and adventures that my parents loved. My family mourns his loss and offers our sympathy to the family.
Randy

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