Bobby Ray Boatman of Cabot, Arkansas, 90, exited this life on December 21, 2025, following a brief illness. Bobby was born on August 18, 1935, the 10th child of Andrew (AG) and Fluretta Boatman of North Little Rock.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Molly Ann Penix Boatman, his parents, and all nine siblings.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Liz (John) Borger and Sally (Roy) Horsey, grandchildren Julianne, Jacquelynn, Caroline, and Zachary, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A graduate of North Little Rock High School in 1953, Bob went on to serve in the US Army in Japan and Korea before attending the University of Arkansas. Upon graduation in 1961, he worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. In 1964, he married Molly in Denver, Colorado. The newlyweds settled in Dallas, TX, where Bob worked for Slaughter Brothers Lumber. He then began a new adventure and started a home-building construction business in Cabot while the family was still in Dallas. He survived the 1976 Cabot tornado in his downtown office and then relocated his young family from Dallas to the small bedroom community of Cabot. He began this new career as a contractor with Energy Saver Homes and later Boatman Construction, developing some of Cabot’s earlier subdivisions. Bob enjoyed playing a lot of golf at Rolling Hills Country Club, where he developed many lifelong friendships. In his later years, he passed time watching Young Sheldon and the stock market. He will be remembered for being a good husband, especially as he cared for his wife as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. He was an excellent father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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