of Little Rock, AR

December 17, 1935 - November 7, 2023

Bob D. Goodloe, known to many simply as ''Coach,'' passed away on November 7, 2023. He lived an exemplary life in service to his family, friends and community. He reflected that he had a long and happy life and was grateful to his wife, Clyda, who enabled him to pursue the only career he ever wanted: being a coach and teacher. He loved his family above all, being a caretaker to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren until the end. The youngest 87-year-old you would ever meet, he was always active, unless he stopped moving and sat down for a bit -that usually resulted in a nap. There are endless pictures of him at family holiday gatherings catching a little shut eye to recover from his many activities. He was an avid golfer, even shooting an 82 in his last round with Jim Brady in the weeks before his accident. He loved to garden and take care of his yard, refusing offers from family and neighbors to help (especially with mowing his steep ditch) because it was his ''form of exercise''. He loved going to Oaklawn and spent numerous hours handicapping the ponies in preparation for a trip to the track. He also loved playing blackjack, which helped him keep his mind as sharp as ever.

Bob began his life in Rose Bud, Arkansas on December 17, 1935, the first child of Robert & Tommie Lee Goodloe. Three years later, he was joined by his sister, Colleen. They had a very close relationship throughout their lives until her passing in 2020. Bob liked to say that he grew up poor, but no one realized it because everyone was in the same boat. He attended school in Cabot, graduating in 1953, where he was voted ''Most Likable'' in his senior class. He maintained relationships for the entirety of his life. In fact, that was a theme of his: if you were his friend, you were a friend for life. He stayed in touch with many, from his earliest years in Cabot through college, his first coaching job at Bryant HS and of course, the Robinson community. He rarely went anywhere that he didn't run into a former player, student, teacher or family member from the community.

Bob went on to play football and run track at Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in Conway. He received his BS in Education in 1957, followed by a MS in Education in 1970. Bob started his coaching career at Bryant High School in 1958. Soon thereafter, he met the love of his life, Clyda. They met on a summer day at Lake Nixon in Little Rock where upon asking for her phone number, he was given the number for the Little Rock Police department. His persistence eventually paid off and they were married in February 1960. Their small family quickly grew with the arrival of Robin, Mindy and Lauren. Bob was a hands-on dad from the beginning. With his summers off, Bob created many fond memories through swimming and fishing outings, teaching various sports and just generally spending lots of time with his kids. The family loved their frequent trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama where Bob would often sunburn his feet spending days on the beach riding the waves and hunting sand dollars with us. These trips often included Jim & Judy Brady, who were like part of the family.

Bob arrived at Robinson High School in 1967 as the head football and track coach, as well as a PE and social studies teacher. He remained at Robinson for twenty-four years and these were some of the happiest years of his life. All three daughters, three of his granddaughters and several great-grandchildren attended Robinson. There were numerous conference titles in football and track (and several state track titles), but his career highlight was winning Robinson's first state championship in football in 1980. After retiring in 1991, he continued to follow the Senators, whether in person or in recent years, live online. He maintained relationships with all his fellow coaches (Jim Brady, Jim Eskola, Charlie Pruitt and Steve Hathcote) with golfing, football games or outings to Oaklawn Park.

Bob was the most kind and selfless person you would ever want to meet. He would do anything to help his family. Bob and Clyda were hands-on in helping raise three generations of family. He enjoyed many weekend visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even after Clyda passed. He taught them all to swim and have interest in sports and activities. It kept him young and happy to be surrounded by his offspring.

Bob was preceded in death by Clyda, his wife of fifty-one years and his youngest daughter, Lauren.

Bob is survived by and will be forever missed by his children, Robin (Tom) and Mindy (Scott); his grandchildren, Ashley (Zach), Sarah, Lindsey (Nelson), Alex and Sydney (Ben) and great-grandchildren, Hunter, Kaylee, Braxton, Bo, Eli, Salina and Ulysses.

A memorial service will be held on December 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Robinson High School Gymnasium, 21501 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR. 72223. In lieu of flowers, if you are inclined, please consider a donation to the Robinson Athletic Booster Club. Donations can be made through Venmo at RHS Sports@James-Turner-39994 or by sending a check to Robinson Athletic Booster Club, Randy Turner, 4000 Alpine Lane, Little Rock, AR 72210. Please include in the description that your donation is made in memory of Coach Goodloe.

To view Coach Goodloe's memorial service, go to: https://youtu.be/I4qrkWeeCGc.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com