Robert Earl Holley

Robert Earl Holley, 83, of Arkadelphia, formerly of Little Rock, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. He was born to James Luther and Cleo Myra Holley in Montgomery, Alabama, on May 31, 1933. He lived most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Holley entered the ministry after graduating from Howard College (now Samford University) in 1952, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1954. He was an education minister for 14 years in churches throughout Arkansas, including First Baptist Church of McGehee, First Baptist Church of Conway, First Baptist Church of West Memphis, and Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. Mr. Holley joined the Arkansas Baptist State Convention staff in 1968, where he served for 29 years, including 24 years as director of Discipleship Training. In this role, Mr. Holley worked with Arkansas Baptist churches to develop Discipleship Training programs, including senior adult ministries, deacon training, Children's Bible Drills, Youth Speakers Tournaments, and other initiatives to enhance church outreach and membership development. Mr. Holley was a loving husband, daddy, and granddaddy. He was a kind, generous man. He was always concerned about people and showed God's love to others as he encouraged people and ministered to those in need. Mr. Holley was a member of First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, and a resident of The Plaza Assisted Living Facility. In addition to his parents, Mr. Holley was predeceased by his brothers, James L. Holley Jr. and Grogan Holley. Mr. Holley is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucile Foster Holley; two daughters and sons-in-law, Anita and Norm Pumphrey of Ruston, Louisiana, and Deborah and Jeff Root of Arkadelphia. He is survived by three grandchildren, Clint Pumphrey and his wife, Darcy of Logan of Utah, Scott Pumphrey of Logan, Utah and Abby Root of Arkadelphia. A service celebrating the life of Mr. Holley will be held Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72211. Reverend Gerald Jackson will officiate the service. Visitation will be held immediately following the service. A graveside service for the family will take place Friday at 10 a.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Ouachita Baptist University, 410 Ouachita Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71998; First Baptist Church, 623 Pine Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923; Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock; or the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home, ABC Homes, 10 Remington Dr. Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.