Robert Ray Adkins

Robert Ray Adkins, of Little Rock, had a wonderful 92 years. He was a true Southern gentleman. He was so generous, kind, and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He passed away peacefully on August 29, 2019 surrounded by family. He was born on March 10, 1927 at 1821 Main Street in Little Rock. He lived in Little Rock all of his young life, attending Centennial Elementary, Westside Junior High, and Little Rock High School, now Central High. Bob joined the Navy in March 1945 at 18 years old. World War Il was in progress. Knowing he would be drafted, he joined the Navy, serving three years in the Philippines. He arrived in Leyte Gulf on August 4, 1945. War was declared over on August 14 after Harry Truman dropped the atomic bomb on Japan that saved thousands of American servicemen's lives, probably his as well. Bob returned to Little Rock and began working for Coca-Cola Bottling Company for three years. Then he went to Colonial Bakery, and Arkansas Frozen Foods. He then got a job with American Can Company which moved him throughout the country ending up in New York. In 1972, he returned to Little Rock, and he went to work with his brother-in-law, Ken Jones, at Standard Abstract and Title Company as an escrow officer. In 1979, he had the opportunity to buy Fidelity Abstract and Title Company. He changed the name to American Abstract and Title Company. He purchased an office building at 300 South Shackleford. He sold that building and moved to the current location at 12824 Cantrell Road. Bob retired from American Abstract in February of this year. He always joked that he only worked half a day from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. He loved spending time with his family. He loved hunting with son, grandson and great-grandson at Feather Farms in Brummitt, Arkansas. He loved his work and refused vacations to work. Also, Bob was a 32 degree Mason, a member of Pleasant Valley Country Club since 1982, He was a member of the Oaklawn Jockey Club and an Emeritus member of Central Arkansas Executive Association. He was a member of Fellowship Bible Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Minnie Ray Adkins; brothers, Grady Adkins, Charles Adkins and wives, Elizabeth Adkins, and Helen Johnson Adkins. He is survived by his three children, Dennis Adkins (Marshia), Sharon Adkins (Steve Duffel), and Doug Adkins; nine grandchildren, Andrew Adkins (Jennifer), Jennifer Jones (Randy), Karrie Sharp (Heath), Michelle Toliver (Jeff), Melissa Kinkade (Doug), Kris Adkins (Laura), Christina Mayo (Ken), Melanie Lager (Kevin), Susan Johnson (Jeremiah); 20 great-grandchildren, sister, Sue Jones, and Linda Holderfield, the mother of his children. Service will be Wednesday, September 4 at 2 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock. Visitation will be at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 3 from 5 p.m., to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Pinecrest Cemetery. Memorials in Mr. Adkins name can be made to Arkansas Hospice Foundation or Fellowship Bible Church. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.