Robert “Bob” Aguiar

Robert “Bob” Aguiar, age 78, of Little Rock, passed away August 14, 2024. He was born August 17, 1945, in Acushnet, Massachusetts to Manuel Aguiar II and Evelyn Smith.

 Bob was a proud graduate of Fairhaven High School in Massachusetts, where he was a multisport athlete. He moved to Arkansas in pursuit of an affordable college education on the advice of his guidance counselor, earning a degree in business administration from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. Bob finished his formal education by later earning an associate’s degree in political science from Mississippi County Community College and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Northern Colorado.

Bob was driven by duty and he loved his country. As a result, he joined the United States Army, where he proudly served in Germany and Vietnam. While enlisted, he earned the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Good Conduct, and Bronze Star Medals. Even in his final days, he wore military themed baseball hats commemorating his service to country. 

Professionalism and hard work were extremely important to Bob. He returned to Arkansas after military service and started his career as the Director of Programs at East Arkansas Planning and Development District in Jonesboro. He later became the City Administrator for Blytheville, where he was proud to complete projects such as construction of new tennis courts and baseball fields, city hall expansion, and installation of a much needed severe weather warning system, in addition to his daily city manager duties. Prior to moving to Little Rock to work for the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission under the Pryor administration, he also served as the interim Mayor of Blytheville in 1977. Leaving public service, Bob found his true calling when he entered the sales profession. His outgoing, personable, and jovial nature made him a successful and natural born salesman, who specialized in eyeglass lenses for most of his career. 

Bob was an extraordinarily funny individual. He often found himself the center of attention, making people laugh under any circumstances. He genuinely cared about the people in his life, and few will ever match his generosity. He was always willing to extend his hand to help anyone in need. Lastly, he was a proud and dedicated family man. His home was absolutely overflowing with family photos and he had a remarkable story behind everything. Bob ended up a very fulfilled man who spent every chance he could in the presence of his children and grandchildren until his health began to fail.

He is preceded in death by parents, Manuel and Evelyn Aguiar; uncle, Billy “Smitty” Smith (Peggy); and grandmother, Gladys Smith.

Bob is survived by his sons, Clint Aguiar (Angie); BJ Aguiar (Holly); two grandchildren, Ford Aguiar, Elizabeth Aguiar; and three brothers, Mike Aguiar (Jo-Ann), Manny (Janice) Aguiar, Brian Amaral.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on August 24, 2024, at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home in Little Rock, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on August 25, 2024 at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock on August 26, 2024.