of Harrison, AR
November 30, 1930 - November 30, 2014
Bob Hankins, age 84, of Harrison, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2014, at Highlands of Harrison at Orendorff. He was born November 30, 1930, in Cliffy, Arkansas, the son of William Howard and Freda (Stafford) Hankins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eugenia Hankins.
Mr. Hankins received his Associates Degree in Agriculture from Arkansas Polytechnic in Russellville and then served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He returned home to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He worked 37 years for Farmers Home Administration working in several capacities including county supervisor and retired as state director.
During his service as state director, Bob received a number of awards and special recognitions for his leadership and achievement abilities. The list includes: USDA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award for Leadership in Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Programs to Rural Areas, Outstanding Leadership in Agriculture, and for Outstanding Leadership in Rural Development. He was the first state director to receive the National Office Award, Civil Rights Staff Award, and State Director's Civil Rights Award. Bob raised cattle all his life and enjoyed hunting and fishing, coon hunting in his younger days, and bird hunting in his senior years.
Bob is survived by his wife, B.J. Hankins; his son and daughter-in-law, Douglas W. and Kelli Hankins, of Western Grove, Arkansas; his daughter and son-in-law, Ann Marie Hankins-Kline and Nathan of Little Rock, Arkansas; his granddaughters, Olivia and Ava; and step-grandchildren, Mary, C.J. and James.
Visitation was Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home with Dr. David Artman and Jerry Honey officiating.
Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Roy Smith, Jerry Cude, Jackie Scott, Jesse Sharp, Dotson Collins, and Fred Woehl
Honorary Pallbearers: John Paul Hammerschmidt, Phil Meadows, Arl Jones, Cherry Louise Smith, Randy and Virginia Laverty, all past and present FmHA / Rural Development employees.
Memorials may be made to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, in Robert's name.
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6 Condolence(s)
Heather Moreland
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Ann, Much love and prayers for you and your family!
Alvin Hooper
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I grew up with Bob and we had some fun times!
Donitta High
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Mr. Hankins was an extraordinary gentleman. I worked as a temporary employee with ASCS in Harrison where I met Mr. Dotson Collins who apparently spoke favorably of my work to Mr. Hankins because my career with FmHA/FSA began with a personal phone call from Mr. Hankins. When I found out exactly who he was and his position with the agency, I was amazed that not only had he heard something he liked about my work, but that he personally took the time to make that phone call beginning a career with FmHA/FSA that is continuing over 26 years later. A few years after he retired, I ran into him in Fayetteville and he again amazed me by calling me by name, asking me about my family and then making sure everything was going well at work. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Hankins has touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Carol Hoyt
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
I am very grateful to Mr. Hankins, who helped start my federal career by hiring me 27 years ago as a Farmers Home Administration County Office Clerk. As State Director, he was an excellent , respected leader; fair, honest, hard working, and committed to his employees, and I was so very fortunate to have worked for him. To his family, please know that my prayers are with you.
Linda Reed Williams
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Sincere Condolences! Bob Hankins was "The Best" and will be missed. I am one of his first hires after he became State Director of FmHA and never met a more honest and caring individual. Prayers for the family.
Martha Hopkins