Mr. Robert Carroll "Bobby" Hudspeth

Robert Carroll Hudspeth, affectionately known throughout his life as Bobby, passed away peacefully in DeWitt, AR, surrounded by the love of his family on September 9, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on February 27, 1940, Bobby lived a remarkable life centered around his faith, his family, his love of agriculture and the Razorbacks, and the many friendships he made along the way. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Bobby was a member of the DeWitt community for most of his life. His last 15 years were spent living in Conway, Arkansas, with his wife, Charlcie. He was a man who valued family, friendship, hard work, and treating people with kindness and respect. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the many lives he touched along the way. Bobby was a proud DeWitt Dragon, earning All-State honors as a center on the football team. His love of football continued throughout his life, and he went on to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks in the late 1950s and early 1960s. While at the University of Arkansas, he majored in agronomy and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. His years as a Razorback became a cherished part of his life, and he never lost his passion for the Hogs. Agriculture was another lifelong love. Bobby farmed his own land for more than 20 years before beginning a long and successful career as a traveling salesman for Adams Fertilizer Company. From 1985 until 2013, he traveled throughout Arkansas and all of the contiguous states. What began as a career became another source of lifelong friendships, as many of his customers became some of his very best friends. Bobby had a genuine gift for making people feel valued, and his generous, friendly, and thoughtful nature left an impression wherever he went. Bobby proudly served his community as a member of the Arkansas National Guard in DeWitt during the 1960s and 1970s. He was also a member of the local Jaycee chapter and believed in being involved in and giving back to his community. His faith was a cornerstone of his life. Bobby loved First Christian Church in DeWitt, where he served faithfully as a deacon. One special ministry he enjoyed with others for many years was holding a Bible study for the men in the Arkansas County Jail. In his later years, he attended First Baptist Church in Conway, where he found wonderful fellowship and friendship in the Men’s Berean Sunday School class. His faith and the relationships he formed through his churches and ministries of service were a meaningful part of his life. Bobby also knew how to enjoy life. He loved playing golf at Oak Hills Country Club, hosting Razorback tailgate parties for his customers and friends, and traveling to meet up with his retired buddies for an afternoon of storytelling. Whether gathered around a tailgate, on the golf course, or simply sitting around talking, Bobby treasured the people in his life. Above all, Bobby was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Charlcie Hudspeth; his daughter, Heidi Hudspeth Duffield and husband Rick; his grandchildren, Dane Duffield and wife Alex, and Darby Duffield Von Gunten and husband Garrett; and his great-grandchildren, Brooks, Weston, and Hudson Duffield, and Aven, Isla, and Colt Von Gunten. He is also survived by those who were special members of his extended family, including his nephew Shawn Hudspeth and wife Ginger; stepchildren Statler and Brittany Strange; step-grandchildren Jackson and Sydney Beth Bister, Bruce, Hoyle, and Sam Strange; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever hold a special place in their hearts for him. A special lady, Claudia (Schmidt Weyland) Thorn of Althea, Spain, was a German exchange student to the Hudspeth family in the late 1970s and lovingly referred to Bobby as the “King.” He also leaves behind Holly’s close family members: sister Mary Lou Sanders and husband Don, as well as brother-in-law David Westmoreland. Bobby was preceded in death by his first wife, Holly Corrotto Hudspeth, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage; his newborn daughter, Heather Ann Hudspeth; his parents, Earl and Delia Mae “Sis” Hudspeth; his brothers, Denny and Johnny Hudspeth; and his sisters-in-law, Dana Riggs Hudspeth and Dorothy Corrotto Westmoreland. Bobby Hudspeth was the kind of man people remembered. He was generous with his time, thoughtful in his actions, friendly to everyone he met, and loyal to the people he loved. He made friends easily and kept them for a lifetime. His stories, laughter, Razorback spirit, love of the land, and devotion to family and faith will be deeply missed. His greatest legacy, however, will not be found in the fields he farmed, the miles he traveled, the games he played, or the many friendships he made. It will be found in the people he loved and the lives he touched. Bobby leaves behind a family who loved him dearly, friends who were like family, and a lifetime of memories that will be treasured for generations to come. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 28 at First Christian Church in DeWitt with visitation one hour prior starting at 1:00 p.m. There will be a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to DeWitt City Nursing Home, where Bobby received loving care in his final days, or to First Christian Church of DeWitt, Arkansas. www.essexfuneralhome.com

Mr. Robert Carroll "Bobby" Hudspeth

February 27, 1940 - September 9, 2026