OBITUARY
Robert "Bob" Gattis
March 6, 1935 – April 19, 2013
Robert “Bob” Gattis, 78, of Van Buren, formerly of Fort Smith died April 19, 2013 in Fort Smith. He was born March 6, 1935 in Shady Point, OK to Robert Cooper and Vessie Marie Brown Gattis. He was a graduate of Fort Smith High School and Texas A & M University with a BA from the School of Business. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves serving as a lieutenant and had become Captain at his time of discharge. For forty one years he was a part of the family business with his father-in-law Jack Ragon, Sr and his brother-in-law Jack Ragon, Jr owning and operating the leased shoe departments in Hunt’s Department Stores. The family also owned stores in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas operating as Ragons and Ragon-Gattis before closing the last store in 1999. He was an active member of Goddard United Methodist Church, a longtime member and past President of the Fort Smith Rotary Club, past member of the Bost School Board of Directors serving as President of the Board in 1977. Bob served on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Retail Merchants Association from 1986-1992. Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Margaret Gattis of the Home; one daughter, Julie Jeffcoat of Fort Smith; one son, Keith and wife Susan Gattis of Fort Smith; five grandchildren, Angie Jeffcoat, Jennifer Prosper, and Zack, Zane, and Zeb Gattis; three great grandchildren, Jordyn, Ashley and Austin Prosper. He is also survived by sister in laws, Jan Gattis of Little Rock and Betty Ragon of Fort Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Vessie Gattis; brother, Jim Gattis and brother in law Jack Ragon, Jr. Memorial service will be Monday, April 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM in Goddard United Methodist Church. Private family burial will be in Forest Park Cemetery prior to the Memorial Service. Services and Cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 PM. To Honor Bob, call an old friend just to say hello or help mend a hurt or lend a hand to someone in need and give a smile of encouragement to everyone you meet. Memorials may be made to Goddard United Methodist 1922 Dodson Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72901 or the charity of one’s choice. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
Services
- Memorial Service Monday, April 22, 2013
- Visitation Sunday, April 21, 2013
REMEMBERING
Robert "Bob" Gattis
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RECEIVE UPDATESRobert and Helen Grissom
May 7, 2013
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Julie Martin
April 25, 2013
I will always remember Bob as my "Cookie Policeman" in the Hospitality Room at UAFS. He was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Molly Stitsworth
April 24, 2013
Keith, Susan, & the boys-
I'm very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Your family is in my prayers!
May peace & love surround you during this time.
robert laser
April 22, 2013
I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO HEARING BOBS" OPINIONS ABOUT ANYTHING BECAUSE HE ALWAYS SPOKE HIS MIND AND THOUGHTS AND NEVER HID ANYTHING NOR EVER LIED ABOUT ANYTHING. HE WAS A TRUE FRIEND. THANKS FOR BEING YOU, BOB. PLEASE DON"T CHANGE JUST BECAUSE YOU"RE WITH THE ANGELS NOW.
YOUR FRIEND AND BOOSTER,
BOB LASER
Lorraine Randall
April 22, 2013
To Bob's Family:
My thoughts & prayers are with you during
this difficult time. As a former member of Goddard-Bob was a dedicated Christian. May God comfort you.
Charla Parrish
April 22, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bri Lind
April 22, 2013
To Marg, Julie, Keith and all of the Gattis family including my nieces Jordyn and Ashley and my nephew Austin, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was always nice to me growing up with Jennifer and Angie and was always kind to my children. I know he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this tough time. My mother and father Bruce & Claire Prosper also extend their condolences for your loss. May God be with you all during your time of grief.
Sincerely,
Bri (Prosper) Lind
Dave Whiteis
April 22, 2013
Bob was a big man, in stature, in personality and integrity. He loved Goddard UMC. Linda and I will miss Bob. Welcome to the Church Triumphant, Bob!
April 22, 2013
I am so sorry that I am not in Fort Smith so that I could attend the Memorial Service. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Sincerely,
James Gibson
Jamie Kell-Bond
April 21, 2013
Mrs. Gattis, Julie and Keith ---and other family, very saddened to hear of this news. I have the best memories of spending days at your home growing up! He was always wonderful to me. And blessed to have seen the family faithful in church each week as we grew up in Goddard. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days and I love you all very much. Wish I could be there. Jamie Kell Bond in NJ
Becky Mallard
April 21, 2013
We are so very sorry for your loss. We were lucky to have known Bob and have him as our Sunday School teacher for about 28 years. He was a good friend and mentor. He will be missed. -Ronnie & Becky Mallard
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