Robert William Fine

Robert William Fine, 82, passed away in Little Rock, Ark. on April 21, 2015. He was born on August 21, 1932, in Pomona, Mo. to Richard and Azalie (La Fontaine) Fine. He grew up on a farm, where the values of hard work and true grit were first instilled but with a fierce determination to see the world. The opportunity to fulfill that resolve opened up to him when he became a member of the U.S. Air Force. Robert joined the Air Force in 1950 and met Elizabeth Ann Haynes, the woman who would become his wife of 62 years, while in the service. He would hitchhike from Shreveport, La. to Tulsa, Okla. whenever he had leave to see her until they were finally married on July 10, 1952. They had two daughters together. His service in the Air Force led their family to many exciting places, until finally settling in Arkansas. Robert retired from the Air Force in 1970 as a Senior Master Sergeant but continued in the Federal Service until December of 1994. During his time in the Air Force, Robert served in the era of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He went from a high school drop out to an American Airman who answered his Nation's call. He returned to earn his high school diploma and continued his education by earning a college degree in Accounting with CPA certification. A man of God and country, Robert did all of this while raising a family. Robert leaves behind his daughters, Sharon (Tony) Eckart of Alexander and Robin Borden of Sherwood; grandson, Michael Miller of Alexander; granddaughters, Beth Eckart of Little Rock and Caroline Borden of Sherwood; brother, Ray Fine of West Plains, Mo.; sister-in-law, Judith Haynes of Tulsa, Okla.; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Haynes) Fine; his brothers, Richard and Ronald Fine; and his sister, Rose Fine. Visitation will be held at North Little Rock Funeral Home on April 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a rosary service. The Funeral Mass will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Marche at 10:30 a.m. on April 28, with burial to follow at the Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Honorary pallbearers are Tony Eckart, Michael Miller, Ray Fine, Larry Fine, Bob Fine, Ron Fine, and John Fine. A special thank you to Hospice Home Care of Little Rock for all of their care and support. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the charity of your choice. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.