Robert Lee Holyfield

Robert Lee Holyfield, 70, of Conway, passed away Sept. 8, 2012 with his family by his side. Robert was born Dec. 4, 1941 to Jerry and Viva (Jones) Holyfield at Martinville, Ark. He was a 1958 graduate of Conway High School, where he was a Wampus Cat athlete, playing football and running track. He went on to attend Arkansas State Teacher's College (now the University of Central Arkansas) and the University of Arkansas, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering as well as a Master's in Operations Management. Robert married Jo Anne Vogan on Dec. 21, 1963, in Conway. He worked in several chemical engineering positions before settling in Camden with Atlantic Research Corporation. He retired from there as Corporate Manager of Safety and Environmental Engineering. He was appointed by Gov. Jim Guy Tucker to the state Emergency Response Commission. He was also an Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas Graduate School. He was a member of the American Society of Chemical Engineers, American Society of Safety Engineers, National Fire Protection Association, the Faulkner County Historical Society as well as the Faulkner County Museum. He proudly served many years as President of the Board of the Faulkner-Van Buren Regional Library System. He enjoyed reading, rock and roll music, and cheering on his beloved Razorbacks. He was one of their biggest fans and watched every game he possibly could and cheered loudly. He is survived by the love of his life, Jo Anne Holyfield of Conway, children Susan (Mark) Jenkins of Conway, Jennifer (Larry) Lundeen of Bentonville, and Robert (Jill) Holyfield Jr. of Little Rock; four grandchildren: Jonathan Jenkins, Jackson Jenkins, Caroline Lundeen and Ella Holyfield; a sister Sharon (Ralph) Gaskin, as well as numerous family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with Charles Bane officiating. Interment will follow at Martinville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials have been suggested to the Camden Library Fund, Faulkner County/Van Buren Regional Library or to the Faulkner County Humane Society. The online guestbook can be signed by visiting www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.