Robert Combs Tebbetts

   Robert Combs Tebbetts, 76, of Little Rock, passed away suddenly on August 30, 2022. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri to John England Tebbetts, Sr. and Natalie Combs Tebbetts. He graduated from Catholic High School and then Hendrix College, where he met the love of his life and best friend Priscilla Fitts, whom he subsequently married and spent the rest of his life with. Together they raised three children. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the UALR School of Law. Bob was a professional aviator in the Marine Corps, Army, and in civilian life with over 13,000 logged hours of flight time. As a Master Army Aviator, he flew turboprops, jets, and helicopters and was an instructor in many of those aircraft. Bob was well known as a mentor and teacher and described as a living legend by Army aviators. He retired after more than 21 years of active duty service as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 and served as the commander of Detachment 30 OSA. Bob was an Eagle Scout and was active as a Scout Leader as an adult. Many folks he mentored as youth fondly recalled him in later years. Bob loved model railroading, especially the Cotton Belt Route and was well known in that community. Bob had a kind and generous heart and was accepting of people from all walks of life. He was a devoted husband, a wonderfully talented father, and faithful Christian who loved his family above everything else.

   He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Priscilla Fitts Tebbetts; his sons, Duane Tebbetts (Shae) and John James Tebbetts (Tracey); his daughter, Rachel Tebbetts; brothers, Terrell Tebbetts (Diane) and George Tebbetts (Phyllis); sisters, Natalie Tebbetts (David Miller) and Elizabeth Sweasy (Ken); grandchildren, Keely Malat (Christian), Seth Tebbetts (Rose), John David Tebbetts (Shelby), Madelyn Tebbetts, Jonah Tebbetts, Violet Skye Pride and Brighten Pride; sisters-in-law, Margaret Irvin (Ross) and Jeanne Jones; and brother-in-law, James O. Fitts III (Claudine).  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John England Tebbetts, grandson, Brennan Tebbetts Pride, brother-in-law, Warren Cecil Jones, sister-in-law Betty Tebbetts, and parents-in-law, Augusta and James Fitts and Alice Fitts.  

   Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8 from 5-7 p.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. Service will be Friday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.