of Bryant, AR
August 28, 1940 - February 21, 2025
Robert ''Bob'' Martin, a retired pharmacy manager from Bryant, Arkansas, passed away at his home on February 21, 2025 at the age of 84.
Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis Martin and son Michael Martin. He was preceded in death by his son, Greg Martin and his parents, William R Martin and Berta Martin.
Bob was born on August 28, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan to Berta and William Martin. Bob's father, William, was in the US Airforce and the family moved several times during Bob's youth for his father's work. They eventually settled in Roswell NM, where Bob attended high school at Roswell High school, graduating in 1959. During his school years, Bob was an avid basketball player and carried a love for the sport with him for the rest of his life. After graduating, Bob attended Eastern New Mexico university. While working at the Dairy Queen in Roswell, Bob would meet his future wife, Phyllis, whose parents owned the Dairy Queen. Bob and Phyllis were married and eventually moved first to Chicago, Illinois and then ultimately landed in central Arkansas, where they would reside until his death. Along the way, Bob and Phyllis welcomed two sons, first Greg and then Michael, into their lives.
Bob had a very strong entrepreneurial spirit and this was reflected throughout his work career. Bob earned his real estate license and worked as a realtor for a time before going to work for the Osco Drug chain. Bob ultimately became manager of an Osco store, first in Chicago and then in Little Rock. Bob left Osco and went to work managing the Medical Towers drug store where he worked for 16 years before retiring. He worked tirelessly to assure that his stores were as successful as possible, frequently working 10 and 12 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week.
Upon retirement, Bob and Phyllis enjoyed traveling in their RV, frequently with Phyllis's cousin Roxie and her husband Jack. Family was very important to Bob and Phyllis enjoyed hosting regular family get-togethers at their house. During the summer, their extended family and friends would gather at their backyard pool for joyous celebrations. Mike and Greg's friends were always welcome for swimming and games at the house. During all of these gatherings, Bob would circulate to make sure everyone had plenty to eat and drink and that everyone was enjoying themselves. He could also frequently be found working the grill.
Visitation will be from 6-8PM on Tuesday, February 25th at the Roller Drummond Funeral Home at 10900 I-30 in Little Rock, Arkansas. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Wednesday, February 26th at 2PM at Roller Drummond, followed by graveside services at Pinecrest Cemetery at 7401 Hwy 5 in Bryant, Arkansas.