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
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