Robert "Bob" Samuel Johnson

Robert “Bob” Samuel Johnson, 79, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed from this life February 7, 2023.  Born November 10, 1943 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late J.F. and Mildred Martin Johnson, Bob was a member of Balboa Baptist Church. 

He loved living in Hot Springs Village where he could pursue his love of golfing and related activities. Bob worked in radio and television for many years: first as a radio personality and sports broadcaster in Blytheville, Osceola, Stuttgart, Batesville, and Fayetteville, Arkansas and later in behind-the-scenes television operations in Beaumont, Texas and Lufkin, Texas.

Bob enjoyed everything sports, especially his Arkansas Razorbacks.  For many years, he refereed high school basketball as a hobby. He was probably best known for his love of Elvis Presley music, a relationship that started in his teen years and continued until his death.  Bob was the perfect retired person--loving life, playing golf, socializing with friends, and travelling the world with his wife.  He was a loving husband, father, and G’Pa Bob.  He was a remarkable man who was devoted to his family and friends.

Preceding Bob in death are his daughter, Kimberly Selig; and parents, J.F. and Mildred Johnson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 48 years, Betty Smith Johnson of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; daughter, Staci Johnson Freeman and her husband Bart of Dallas, Texas; son-in-law, Rick Selig of Bryant, Arkansas; granddaughters:  Erica Selig Westbrook and her husband Joel of Tull, Arkansas, Kendall Selig of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Abby Freeman of Dallas, Texas; great granddaughters, Avery and Whitley; brother, Jimmy Johnson and his wife Rita of Proctor, Arkansas; and special cousins, Robert Harris, Little Rock; and Elizabeth McNeese, Pea Ridge, Arkansas. 

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 20, at 1:00 p.m., at Balboa Baptist Church.  Immediately following the service, the family will receive guests for a time of fellowship and remembrance. 

Memorials may be directed to Balboa Baptist Church, the American Heart Association, or to a charity of your choice.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.