Robert Lee Hardin, 73, of North Little Rock, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at home surrounded by family and friends. Born in Rosenberg, Texas, on March 22, 1952, he was the son of the late Thomas Clark (TC) and Laverne Hardin.

Robert’s family moved to McGehee when he was a small child. He graduated from McGehee High School in 1970 and enrolled at the University of Arkansas and joined the Razorback Marching Band to play the bass drums. He would go on to earn his degree in accounting which he put to use helping customers throughout his career at Haley’s Accounting Service, R.A. Pickens & Son Co., and Bradford Marine before his retirement.

He was a man of many talents beyond his work with numbers. He was skilled in and loved music, and he put this on display by singing in the church choir, playing and directing handbell choirs, and performing in community plays. His creative side was evident in the many holiday decorations he made from scratch, school projects he would help his kids with, and his ability to solve just about any problem. Added to all that, his cooking talents were always a hit. He was known in southeast Arkansas for his hot tamales, and anyone lucky enough to try them can attest to the high quality. He learned so much about food and cooking from his parents, and he has shared that with his own kids to carry these culinary talents well into the future.

Robert was also a civic and public servant. He served on the McGehee and Dumas school boards at different points, was a member of LeadAR Class 8, and participated on various other boards and civic organizations.

Anywhere Robert went, he made quick friends due to his engaging and warm personality. He was compassionate and caring to all those he encountered. His love for others and his kindness will live on as part of his legacy.

While he was accomplished in so many ways, his greatest love was his children and the 11  grandchildren mourning his passing. Robert loved traveling to all of his kids’ and grandchildren’s events and being their number one supporter. In addition to supporting his family, Robert loved antiquing, traveling, snow skiing, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Arkansas Razorbacks.

Robert is survived by children Kelly Phillips of Sherwood, JD Hardin of Madison, Georgia, and Haley (Antwan) Watson of Little Rock. Lovingly called Poppie and Poppa, Robert had the greatest joy in his grandchildren: Hudson, Maddie, Liam, Aaron, and Miles Phillips; Paxton Hardin; Kendall and Kaden Pickett; and Rubey, Mason, and Cali Watson. He is also survived by brothers Bill Hardin of Las Vegas, Nevada, Thomas (Charlotte) Hardin of Pine Bluff, and Jay (Linda) Hardin of McGehee. There are numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends he also leaves behind.

Robert’s wishes were to be cremated. The family will hold a memorial service to honor their father and friend to many at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas, on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either the American Lung Association or Baptist Health Foundation in his honor.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com