Bobbie "Gator Bob" Ray Maddox

Bobbie Ray "Gator Bob" Maddox, 53, of Ft. Smith, Ark., passed away, Monday, July 16, 2018 at Mercy Hospital Hospice in Ft. Smith. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 21st at First Christian Church, 301 1st Ave., Gravette, Ark. 72736. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. A lunch will be provided at the church from 12 noon to 1 p.m., followed by a viewing and visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. Bobbie was born February 10, 1965 in Siloam Springs, Ark. to Jasper and Virgie (Meek) Maddox. On September 22, 1986, he married his former partner, Jennifer Lynn Doyle. Bobbie was employed as a Truck Driver for more than a decade seeing all 48 contiguous United States and Canada. Before legally separating from his former wife in 1992, they had a son, Christopher, born in January 1991. When he wasn't working he could be found spending time with his son and late Mother at her residence in Gravette Ark. Bobbie worked for many years with a carnival where he operated the children's ride known as the Gator which is where he found happiness working with children and having fun. It's also where he got the nickname that he carried the rest of his life. Bobbie is survived by his son, Christopher Maddox and his wife, Ashley of Gravette, Ark.; one grandchild, Bryan Maddox; his sister, Leta (Maddox) Secrest of Pocahontas, Ark. and brother, Jay Dee Maddox of Springfield, Mo.; along with several nieces and nephews, Derek, Nathan, Elizabeth, Phillip, Patrick, Samantha, and Tucker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper in 1993 and Virgie in 2012. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.