Bobby Babb

Bobby Joe Babb of Friendship, took Jesus by the hand on March 3, 2012. Heaven rejoices... another saint has been called home. He was born May 1, 1933 in Friendship, Arkansas the son of the late Robert Lesly and Clara Long Babb. Bobby was a U. S. Army veteran, retired from Reynolds Metal Company Patterson Plant, owner of Donaldson Depot Antiques and a proud member of Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.

He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, the Arkansas Razorbacks, vegetable gardening, restoring old log cabins and spending time with his dog, Max. He enjoyed hunting, four-wheeler riding and bush hogging. Above all, he loved his Lord and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Evelyn Babb Dingler, Barbara Babb Jacobs and one brother, James (Buddy) Babb.

He is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Harriett Shaffer Babb, who cherished, adored and idolized her babe; three children who considered their daddy a hero, provider, comforter, counselor and their rockstar, Lisa Babb of Cave Springs, Arkansas, Buddy Babb and wife, Jasa of Russellville, Arkansas, Jodie Babb of Benton, Arkansas; three grandchildren who loved their Poppa and he loved them greatly, Leighton, Reece and Shepherd Babb of Russellville, Arkansas; and many other family members and friends.

A celebration of the life of Bobby Babb
The measure of a man at age 78. Bobby Babb will be remembered as a simple, kindhearted man who enjoyed the simple things of life. He was a people person who always set others at ease. He accepted people as they were, while always looking for the best in them. He gave every second of his life to others, never asking for anything in return. He had a playful sense of humor and always had a twinkle in his eyes. His deep belly laughs were contagious; he loved being outside and had a deep rooted honest work ethic. He led not just by what he said, but by his actions. Bobby touched the lives of everyone he met with kindness and compassion. Each person truly cherished any time spent with him.

Bobby was the best and most loyal family man. He was a wonderful daddy to his three children, Lisa, Buddy, and Jodie, the whole world to his wife, Harriett and an adventurous childlike Poppa to his grandkids, Leighton, Reece, and Shepherd.

Bobby's faith in Christ gave all who knew him such courage and hope and he often reminded us of all the preciousness of the life that God gave us for a short time.

Life celebration services will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 7th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Patterson and Bro. Greg Lathem officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Friendship. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Tiger Griffin, David Hathcoat, Dr. Robert Muldoon, Mike Catlett, Ricky Catlett, Keith Crews, Randy Jones and Mike Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Harry Helton, Floyd Curry, Adron Sealy, Elvin Johnson, Wendell Harper, Steve McMahan, Jerry Strother, Roy Morrison, Dennis Gillam and Jerry Don Jacobs.

Memorials may be to Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia or MDS Foundation for myelodysplasia. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Robert Muldoon and his staff, the ICU staff and the Advanced care staff at St. Joseph's Mercy Healthcare in Hot Springs.