of Arkadelphia, AR
May 31, 1933 - November 30, 2016
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, AR 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, AR 71998; First Baptist Church, 623 Pine Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923; Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock; or the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home, ABC Homes, 10 Remington Dr. Little Rock, AR 72204.
Mrs. Holley,
I am sad to learn about Mr. Holley's passing. We will pray for you as you enter the Christmas season and new chapter of life.
We cherish fond memories of times shared with Bob, Lucille and the girls. Our prayers are with you at this time.
Dear lucile
Im so sorry for your loss
Love you Jeannette James
It was my privilege to work with Bob for many years. His work and life were marked with competency and integrity. Blessings nags on his family and the legacy he leaves.
As a newcomer to state missions work in Iowa in the early 1980's Bob was one of my greatest encouragers. He was a gentle friend who made me feel worthy and adequate for the huge task I was facing. In the next two decades he was a source of great joy and hope, a friend to whom I turned often at meetings for wise counsel. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Mrs. Holley,
From 1979-1981 I was the DT dir. for Iowa fresh out of seminary.
Bob was always so kind to me. I am sorry for your loss.
Paula Settle
CBF Missionary in E. Ky.
Anita and Debbie, I can not tell you how sad I am about your dad's passing. He was one of the dearest friends I ever had. He was an encourager and a mentor to me in many ways. I fondly remember the last time we visited with him and your mother 3-4 years go in Little Rock. We will be praying for you and your whole family. I just learned of his passing a moment ago and am so sorry I can't be at the funeral. If I could get there from Atlanta in time, I would.
I lived across the street from the Holley's in Otter Creek. Mr. Holley was always working in his yard and it always looked amazing. My granddaughters loved Mr. Holley and never passed up an opportunity to go across the street to visit with him. He would make little Easter and Halloween baskets and bring over to the girls and the neighbor's girls. I miss both of them so very much every time I look out my front door. Heaven has definitely gained an angel. Sending love and prayers to Lucile and the family.
Uncle Robert will forever be a special saint. He just has a new address. Grace and peace to you Lucy and girls.