Robert L. Atkins

Robert Lewis “Bob” Atkins, of Little Rock, passed away July 26, 2019. Bob was born July 25, 1930, in Lubbock, TX to William L. and Margaret E. (Medley) Atkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dennis Atkins, grandson, Steven Cotroneo, and son-in-law, Billy Musick. He is survived by wife, Betty R. (Moore) Atkins, daughters, Elizabeth Hardman (David) of Cincinnati, OH, and Bridget Musick of Omaha, NE, grandson, Brecken Musick of Omaha, NE, great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Cotroneo of Cincinnati, OH, sister, Jana Drozdowski (Bill) of Waxahachie, TX, 2 nephews, 3 nieces, and a host of cousins and friends.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1947 and first served in Guam. In 1949 he was assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division and made the landing at Inchon, S. Korea in September 1950. He took part in the infamous Battle of The Chosin Reservoir during November/December 1950 where he fought through unimaginable cold, north of the 38th parallel. He was honorably discharged in September 1951.

Bob attended Arkansas Tech University and was active in choir and ROTC. In 1955 he was in Who’s Who and graduated in 1956 as a Blue Key Honor Society member with a B.A. In Political Science and History. In short order he began what would be a 36 year long career with American Airlines and married his college sweetheart, Betty.

Bob was a member of Pinnacle Church of Christ, The American Legion, The Disabled American Veterans and the Korean War Veterans. He was most proud of the work he did as a Board Member on The Arkansas Korean War Memorial Foundation which culminated in the design, building and dedication of the memorial at MacArthur Park in Little Rock. He was also a proud member and two-time Board of Directors Member of The Chosin Few.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Pinnacle Church of Christ, 11610 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Ste. 103-157, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72223 or Central Arkansas Veterans Health System, Volunteer Services (135), 2200 FT. Roots Dr., North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72114.

Visitation will be Tuesday July 30, 2019 form 5-7 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street in Little Rock. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 31, 219 at 10:00 am at the funeral home.