of Greenbrier, AR
February 1, 1943 - January 27, 2015
Bobby Gene Harkrider, 71, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. He was born February 1, 1943 in Conway to the late Bob and Lillian Harkrider. Bobby was also preceded in death by his first wife, Glenette Wilson Harkrider.
He was a member of LifeSong Baptist Church. Bobby was employed by the Conway Police Department for 24 years and retired as Chief of Police in 1998. Bobby grew up in the Pleasant Valley Community and was a 1960 graduate of Greenbrier High School. He was an avid hunter, loved being outdoors and treasured spending time with his family.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Karen Crowell Harkrider, one son, Robbie Harkrider and his wife Judy, daughter Paula Lookabill and her husband Terry, step daughter, Misty Birdwell and her husband Randal. Grandchildren, Laura (Mike) Gallinari, Robin Harkrider, Sarah (Dustin) Graves, Jaron Palmere, Rylie Birdwell, and Chase Birdwell, and one great-granddaughter, Vanessa Ann Graves. He is also survived by sisters, Brenda Southerland and Sandra Brakebill and their families.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at LifeSong Baptist Church, with Brother Freddie Mark Wilcox officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Wooster. Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Reynolds, Chad Davis, Calvin Davis, Jerry Snowden, Sam McKaskle, and Thurl Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be the Conway Police Department. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Greenbrier Band's Band Camp Scholarship Fund. Online guest book:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Have been out of town and read of Bobby passing and was sadden of his death havent visited with him much s ince his retirement hut our paths would cross occasion ly he will be missed by many but his principles will never be forgotten by the people he knew and the people that worked around him
Bobby was my first "Boss" at Conway Police and was a very nice sweet man. I know he will be missed.
Bobby and I first met in the first grade in Wooster. The days we had chili at the lunch room I would trade my sliced bread for his crackers ( what a trade ! ) A few years later in the seventh grade we became even better buddies and I spent the night with him. We were both easy going and full of life caring on like a couple of farm kids. Later his dad gave me my one of my first dogs..old white Jake. Gradually with graduation at Greenbrier and later at ASTC,
our carrier paths parted. Our memories did not.
Sorry, I am just now signing this. Today was Bobby's funeral and although it was sad because we will miss Bobby, we can rejoice that he's in Heaven and suffering no longer. We will continue to pray for the family and embrace the Lord to help you in your grievance.
bobby was a great man and a really good friend. he will be missed but his pain is over now and he is in a beautiful and wonderful place with Jesus. may God bless and comfort his family .
Mr. H, Paula & families,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. Love y'all.
I have been knowing Bob for approximately 30 years. Hallis Phillips introduced him to me in Vicksburg Miss on a turkey hunting trip. Needless to say we became fast friends and since then myself and Bob, Hallis and Mike Stansell have spent many days and nights in camp together. We have eaten many meals together and had many wonderful times. As I type this tears strean down my face knowing that we will never again in this life be able to be together. Bob was more of a brother than a friend and I will miss him tremendously. So long my Brother.
My condolences to Bobby's loved ones. Bobby was a brother lawman & lifelong friend I held in high regards. Blessed are the peacemakers.
I was saddened to hear of Bobby's passing. I worked with him at the Conway Police Department and for a long time attended Life Song Baptist Church with him and Karen. He was a tall gentle man and I thought the world of him. Jimmy and I will miss you, my friend.
I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss, know he's not suffering anymore. You are all in our prayers.
Praying for you all!
With love,
Johnny, Ann , Caroline, and Catherine Harrod
I was sure sorry to hear the news about Bobby. I worked for Conway Police Dept in the seventies and we were like a big family. Bobby was a very strong member of that family and he will be missed.
praying for family god bliss all yu
You'll be GREATLY missed my friend! I spent 36 years with the City with 25 being at the PD. One of the first persons to welcome me to the job was Bobby Harkrider. At first, I was kind of lost, but Bobby quickly made me feel welcome. I could go to him for help or personal problems and he was always willing to provide guidance. I was very happy to see him become Chief of Police. He had to rein me in several times due to my temper but he always knew how to be firm and yet calm me down and we usually ended up laughing. He has taken a journey that we all must take some day. However, he is in a far better place with no pain, tears, or sorrow. I'm praying that the family can take comfort in those thoughts and knowing he will be saving a place by his side where you'll see him again some day!
Larry & I were so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My Dad thought so much of Bobby. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
So sorry for your Loss, thanks to Jesus we will see him again! Please Know we are praying for your family!
I am saddened to hear of this news. Bobby and I worked together at CPD and I always considered him a true friend. He was a fair supervisor, and a compassionate man to those in need. He was a good cop. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
I am so sorry for your family's loss. May God give each of you comfort during the days ahead.
Bobby was a good man, a good officer, and a very caring person. He was my friend and he will be missed by many, and I sit here and think about cousin Bob Martin is smiling today and holding the reins to Bobby's Horse at the gates of Heaven ready to take his friend on a great ride in Heaven. A journey that never ends. My prayers will be with the Harkrider family. He was a good Man.
I have very fond memories of spending time with my cousin "Bobby Gene", Brenda and Sandra at Uncle Bob's and Aunt Lillian's house when we were little kids. Nothing like cousins--they turn out to be your first friends. I regret not seeing him as much over the last few years, but I knew he was there, and he knew I was here for him. I was devastated to learn of his diagnosis, but he was positive when I saw him in the hospital, and we had a very good visit. I will be praying for you, Karen, and all your family. Brenda, and Sandra, I'm so sorry you lost your big brother. I know you love him and he loved you. God bless you all. Linda
"Uncle" Bobby is a very special man and he will be truly missed. May you be comforted knowing he is no longer in pain and that he is in the loving arms of our Savior. Prayers are being lifted.
Joe and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Barbara. Claypool
We are so sorry about your lost. Bobby was truly a dear friend to Gene and I. We go back 38 years. We all have laughed and cried He will truly be missed. Karen, our heart goes out to you,but what joy you brought to Bobby ,so happy and full of love. Paula and Robbie so sorry , but we know he is in a better, place and no more pain. Love you all.
My prayers of Gods comfort and understanding are with each of you. It is difficult to understand the passing of a loved one but all of us can take comfort in knowing Bobby is at rest and peace in a much more beautiful place, Heaven. No more pain or sorrow for your family member or friend.
Having worked with and for Bobby for many years I had the privilege to know him as a kind man. He would always back his subordinates yet render that necessary guidance when needed.
Bobby was a good man, a kind man, a strong man and the list of adjectives could go on and on.
We loved you Bobby and you will be missed during your absence from this earth but Gods children can take comfort in the fact that we will all meet again someday.
Robbie & Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. They don't make 'em like your Daddy anymore. I worked for Bobby, but was never made to feel like anything less than a friend. He could be stern, yet caring, firm, yet friendly. I know he "had my back" many times. Just knowing that he was there, made some difficult decisions easier. And I don't think he ever met a stranger. His kind are a rare breed and he will be sorely missed. You will be in my prayers in the coming days.