Bob R. Brooks Jr.

Bob R. Brooks Jr., 61, Chief Deputy Attorney General of Arkansas, unexpectedly passed on February 11, 2024, in Little Rock. He leaves behind many friends, colleagues and loved ones who will miss him greatly.

Growing up in Fort Smith, Bob graduated from Southside High School before attending the University of Arkansas and graduating from the Sam M. Walton School of Business. He then attended the University of Tulsa College of Law, where he served on the Tulsa Law Review for two years before graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1987.

Bob served as Chief of Staff for former U.S. Congressman Jay Dickey (AR-04) before returning to Arkansas to become the Director of the Arkansas Ethics Commission by the appointment of former Governor Mike Huckabee.

He then worked for the Republican National Committee, helping to oversee the 2000 Florida recount on behalf of the Bush-Cheney campaign. Following the election, Bob served as Chief of Staff to Jim McCrery (LA-04), former U.S. Congressmen and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bob later became a partner at Capitol Counsel LLC, a Washington, D.C. lobbying and advocacy firm. He returned to Arkansas in 2020 to be closer to his family.

Attorney General Tim Griffin named Bob as Chief Deputy Attorney General in January 2023.

Bob was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan, and passionate about golf and horse racing throughout his life. He traveled across the United States and abroad with his friends and family in pursuit of his passions, forming some of his dearest memories.

Most importantly, he was Uncle Bob to the light of his life, Ryan. He had also just become a great-uncle to Rex Grayson Curry. He looked forward to being Uncle Bob again as Ryan’s son grew up. The family had just celebrated Rex being in Little Rock for the first time. Brooks was a trusted advisor and confidant to many throughout his career, displaying his unwavering loyalty and professionalism.

He is survived by his parents, Bob and Cindy Brooks of Little Rock; his sister, Sabra Brooks Curry (Rex) of Little Rock; his nephew Ryan Brooks Curry (Megan) of Midland, Texas; his great nephew Rex Grayson Curry of Midland, Texas; and many other family members in Fort Smith.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Patrick Brooks; his grandparents Prentiss and Pearl Brooks, and Joe and Martha Rowene Jones.

There will be a memorial graveside service on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11 am at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 4211 State Line Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. A celebration of life will follow from 12-2 pm at Adelaide Hall, 318 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72919.

Arrangements are with Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Brooks Curry, Richard Hunt, Tim Haley, Rob Johnson, Brad Todd, and Attorney General Tim Griffin.

Memorials are asked to be made to the Kappa Sigma Xi Educational Foundation of Arkansas, P.O. Box 2503333, Hillcrest Station, Little Rock, AR 72225, or go to [email protected]