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.
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25 Condolence(s)
Eli Flores
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Im gonna miss him.
Kim Tipton Harrod and Greg Harrod
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Coach Goodloe was a Great Teacher and Coach. We saw him not long ago and had a good visit.
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to The Goodloe Family.
Robert Walton
Saturday, December 2, 2023
He was kind to me the brief time I was around him. My condolences to the family.
Hiedi Culbertson
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Bob was an amazing gift for the Robinson community. His legacy will live on through all of the lives he touched with his generous and caring nature. The whole Hopper family send their love.
Ronald Bennett
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Although we were often on opposite sides of the field, the competition was always friendly. Bob was a fine gentleman and coach and will be missed. Prayers to the family
Doug Wolters
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
We lost a great one. Prayers to the family.
Rest in Peace, Coach.
Ricky Finkbeiner
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
I pray that God comforts all the hearts of the Goodloe, family. Go with God, coach!
Andy Hurst
Monday, November 20, 2023
My friend coach is and will be missed.. my prayers are with all the family.
Joe Waggoner
Monday, November 20, 2023
Coach Goodloe’s actions through out his career set a high standard and provided an excellent example for the young players with whom he interacted. We both attended ASTC(UCA) and worked together at Bryant. from 1958-1962. He will be missed.
Margaret Dawson
Monday, November 20, 2023
Robin, Mindy and entire family.
I saw your dad’s obituary last night and just couldn’t believe it. He was one of those people that should live forever. He was one of the kindest persons I have ever known.
He and your mama had a special bond. To witness their love for each other was awesome.
Family was everything to them both. I’ll be thinking about you all at this sad time.
Remember the Happy!!
With love,
Margaret Dawson
Millard Bell
Sunday, November 19, 2023
I officiated many games for Bob. In the 70s and 80s. Bob was a super human being on the field and off. Just a great guy to be around and glad to have been a small part of his life!!!
Charles A. Rushing
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Very sad to learn of Bob’s passing. We both came to Bryant as young teachers and coaches in 1958. While at UCA enjoyed playing sports together and then at Bryant found a house and “batched” together until we both met the loves of our lives. Always stayed in close touch and enjoyed family times with our children. Such pleasant memories and a strong feeling of loss for both myself and Carol as Clyda and her were great friends.
Lance Sullenberger
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Terry Lewallen
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Heart-felt condolences to the family. Coach Goodloe was such a great coach and a huge positive influence in my life.
Jerry Hooker
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Prayers for the entire Goodloe family.
Very Respectfully
Jerry Hooker and Family
Larry heard
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Bob was a great man And coach. I remember when I Retired from the military and, came back to the states in 1996. He was my real estate agent.
Bobby Wilkerson
Saturday, November 18, 2023
THE BEST
Paige Monday
Saturday, November 18, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss he was such a great person
Susan Dare Haydon
Friday, November 17, 2023
The heavens opened graciously.
Although I never had the opportunity to be a student of his personally… Coach knew me!! He would say “ Well good morning (day) Susan”
Throughout my school years and seeing him at games or even the local Walmart. He said my name!! He knew me.. he knew us all! ROBINSON SENATORS
he knew us all!!
God Bless Coach
Peggy Ifum Hartselk
Friday, November 17, 2023
So sad to hear about Bobby, although I was a friend with Colleen, being from a small town Cabot (at that time) he was a few years older but still a friend. This is something he said to me when I bought a new lipstick he started calling me Ruby lips and that what he call me the time I saw him. Rest in peace Bobby. Thanks for the memories, and the Peace of the Lord be with your Family
Betty Hartnett
Friday, November 17, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Prayers go ir Family and Friends. He was a wonderful Man. Will be Missed. Betty Hartnett
Boyce Rorie
Friday, November 17, 2023
I taught school at Robinson with Bob during the 1970s. He quickly became one of the best friends I ever met. His rich legacy will continue to live on for the many Robinson students that he influenced in such a positive way. My prayers will continue for the family as the healing process for your loss begins.
Debbie Miller Jiles
Friday, November 17, 2023
He was a great coach and great person. He will be missed.
Jim Vandergrift
Friday, November 17, 2023
Sad to learn of Coach Goodloe’s death. I was the science teacher @ Bryant High School in the early 1960’s when Bob was coach there. I remember him as a very good educator, friend, colleague. He had a great impact on the lives of many young students.
Joan Rackley Rateliff
Friday, November 17, 2023
Always will remember what a sweet person you were. Always a gentleman, good memories when we dated. Love to your family, may you feel Gods comforting love at this time!