Robert Gram

Robert Charles Gram, 68, passed away March 2, 2016. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y. to Marie and James Gram. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Barnes Gram, son, Adrian Gram, of Charlotte, N.C., (Kassie) and granddaughter, Keelan. He also is survived by his step-daughters, Kerri Marsh and Kristen Berry, and grandchildren, Cameron Marsh and Katelyn Rhodes. Bob served in the US Navy as a submariner on the USS Sam Houston, and then as a Navy recruiter. Following his service to our country, Bob held several various key level positions in Sales and Marketing roles for the construction industry over the next 30+ years. Upon retiring from his positions in the corporate business world, Bob relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas where he pursued endeavors still related to the construction industry by founding Arkansas Firestop Contractors as well as being an active member in local Construction Associations. It was during his time running a small business when he became connected with the University of Arkansas and discovered his true passion in life, educating and transferring knowledge and wisdom to others. Several years later Bob became an adjunct faculty member of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in their Construction Management degree program. This reconnection to the academic community inspired Bob to complete a lifelong goal of obtaining his MBA, he achieved this in May of 2015. Along with his role as professor, he was appointed to two terms on the Elevator Safety Board by Governor Mike Beebe. He served on the Maumelle Facilities Board for 8 years, and as Chair for 4 years. He helped to rebuild, rejuvenate and improve Little Rock's neighborhoods with the side-passion of his construction company, Master Renovators. He also served as treasurer for the Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas. His spare time was consumed with family, fly fishing, travel, greyhound rescue, reading, cycling, and movie watching, especially romantic comedies like Hansel and Gretel, Witch Hunters. Bob requested no service or flowers, though there will be a private celebration of his life on Friday, March 4. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peggy Gram Scholarship Fund, Top of the Rock Chorus 4121 Sugar Maple Lane, Little Rock, Ark. 72223 or The Overtone Society, Sweet Adelines International, 9110 South Toledo Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74137. Guest register at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.