of Little Rock, AR

March 9, 1934 - November 17, 2025

Robert Clarence Walls, 91, of Little Rock, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, at Baptist Health Medical Center from surgical complications. He was a wise and thoughtful man; a leader, a friend, and a mentor in his family, his church, his community, and his profession.
Robert was born March 9, 1934, in Batesville, AR, to Clarence Albertus and Amanda Frances (Scott) Walls. He lived his first years in three railroad cars moving up and down the White River as his father oversaw the building of bridges. He grew up in Batesville and Salado, living with his mother and her parents after his father died when he was 8.

After high school, Robert joined the Army, serving in California and France during the Korean War. He used the GI Bill to earn a BA in math from Harding University in 1959 and then obtained an MS in math from the University of Arkansas in 1961. He worked at Texaco Research for a few years before returning to academia to earn a PhD in math and statistics from Oklahoma State University in 1967.

In 1966, while at OSU, Robert met and married Eleanor Perry Bristow, his wife and partner of 56 years. They started married life with a full house including Robert's mom and Dee, Eleanor's 12-year-old son. They moved to Little Rock in 1967, where Wesley and Shelley were born and where they made their home.

Robert knew first-hand how education can open up a child's world and wanted to share that blessing. He spent his career teaching and doing research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Campus. He served as the head of the Department of Biostatistics and retired in 1997. There is an endowed professorship at UAMS named for him. He served on the Board of Directors at Central Arkansas Christian Schools and as the chairman of the board for a number of years. He also served on the President's Council at Harding University.

Robert was a member of Pulaski Heights/Pleasant Valley Church of Christ from the time he moved to Little Rock. He was a scholar, reading the Bible and books about Christianity, and working to incorporate what he learned and to pass it along to others. He served as a deacon for 9 years and as an elder for 21. He also co-led a small group for 19 years. Robert often taught Bible classes and went on mission trips to Romania with Eleanor and to Papua New Guinea.

Robert enjoyed photography, fishing, and writing poetry. He liked to travel and tried to garden, although he invariably lost most of his grapes and tomatoes to squirrels.

Robert is survived by his children Dee (Marilyn) Bristow of Claremore, OK, Wesley (Traci) of Little Rock, Shelley (David) Padgett of Marietta, GA, and grandchildren Jennifer (Michael) Cain of Claremore, OK, Laura Bristow of Altus, OK, Evan and Wilson Walls of Little Rock, and Cat, Joel, and Micah Padgett of Marietta, GA, as well as his great-granddaughter, Vivian Cain of Claremore, OK. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Budo (Sue) Perry of Ft. Gibson, OK, sister-in-law Gayle Perry, of Tulsa, OK, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, his parents-in-law Gail and Janie Perry, brother-in-law Arlie Perry, and nephew Duane Perry.

Visitation will be Friday, November 21, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haiti Christian Development Project (https://hcdp.net/) or Central Arkansas Christian Schools (https://cacmustangs.org/support-cac/).

 

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