Robert “Bob” Gene Hovis, 85, of Paragould, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Jonesboro at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born on November 7, 1940, in Corning, Arkansas.

Bob graduated in 1959 from Del Norte High School in Crescent City, California. He spent his formative years in the Pacific Northwest coastal town of Klamath, California, where he met his future wife, Ronna Weston. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Army and served from 1960 to 1963 as a cryptographer stationed in Chalons, France, holding top secret clearance. Upon his return stateside in 1964, Bob and Ronna were united in marriage in a small wedding chapel in Reno, Nevada. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary, a lasting testament to their life together.

Bob was first and foremost a dedicated family man. He took great pride in his family, and especially in his son, Steven, and Steven’s family. To those who knew him as a friend, he was steadfast and loyal. He was also a quiet observer who let his actions speak louder than words, and that steady way of living left a lasting impression on the people around him.

In his younger years, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing along the Klamath River and Blue Creek in Klamath, California. After moving to Arkansas, he hunted with the Peckerwood Hunting Club. Among his many interests were antique cars, Indian Pow Wows, and traveling across the United States. An avid reader, he especially enjoyed autobiographies.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ronna Hovis; his son, Steven Hovis (Shannon); his grandson, Andrew Hovis (McKenna); his granddaughter, Kersten Taylor (Chandler); his great-granddaughter, Hattie Hovis; and his great-grandson, Jack Taylor. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, including Stan Hovis, Judy Jackson, Steve May, and Dick Hovis. He will be remembered with love by his family and by all who were fortunate enough to know his quiet strength, loyalty, and devotion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Nora Hovis; his brothers, Jess Hovis and Bill Hovis; his sisters, Mildred Weaver and Virginia Merle West; and by his nieces and nephew, Delora May, Janet West, and Jim Hovis.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Larry Hooten officiating. A visitation will follow until 4:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Bob would be honored with donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105, or Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E Matthews, Jonesboro, AR  72401.