of Cabot, AR
October 15, 1950 - October 19, 2025
Bobby J. Slagley of Cabot, Arkansas was born on October 15, 1950 at Newport Hospital in Newport, Arkansas. He was the first child born to Wylie Devurn and Vinita Slagley.
Bob grew up in Swifton, Arkansas, where his parents and most of his family were farmers. He graduated from Swifton High School in 1968. Bob was also a graduate of the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was later privileged to teach for seven years. Bob also attended UALR in Little Rock where he studied American Sign Language. He had a love for and fellowship with Deaf people. He wanted the gospel to touch the hearts of those in the Deaf community and his youngest son, Jeremy, was deaf.
Bob, Jan and Jonathan, along with many other family members, learned sign language to communicate with Jeremy. Bob always said that he felt God used Jeremy's life to show him a ministry he would have never known about. He preached to a congregation of the Deaf at Antioch Baptist Church in Little Rock for thirty-four years. He was also privileged to work with the hearing church at Antioch as an associate pastor during this time. Bob also did some short-term mission work in Honduras.
Bob met the love of his life, Jan Hulen, in the summer of 1968. After dating for two years, they were married at the Swifton Baptist Church on July 31, 1970. They were married for 55 years. God blessed them with two wonderful sons, Jonathan and Jeremy.
Bob was a family man and greatly enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and reading. He especially loved his trout fishing on the Little Red River in Heber Springs. He had many good fish stories through the years and like most fisherman, Bob said some of his stories were really true!
Bob accepted Christ as his Savior when he was twenty-two years old. A few years after he accepted Christ as his Savior, he felt a call to preach the Gospel. In January of 1977, Bob, Jan and Jonathan moved to Little Rock so he could attend the Missionary Baptist Seminary and while working with Antioch Baptist Church, he was privileged to teach at the Seminary for seven years.
Bob served in ministry for over fifty years. Beginning his ministry in January 1975. He served as pastor at Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church near Newport and Antioch Baptist Church near Perryville, AR. He was later the Pastor to the Deaf at Antioch Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas where he served for 34 years. He also served on the Pastoral Staff for the hearing church of Antioch and was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Cabot, Arkansas at the time of his death.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Wylie Devurn and Vinita Slagley; stepmother, Rhonda Slagley; son, Jeremy Slagley; brother, Tommy Lynn Slagley; in-laws, Walter and Eva Hulen and brother-in-law, Howard Hulen.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Jan Slagley; one son, Jonathan Slagley (Grace) of North Little Rock, AR; stepbrothers, Barry Abney (Amy) of Salem, AR and Duane Slagley (Trisha) of Hot Springs, AR and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A visitation will begin at 11:00am with funeral services at 12:00pm on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Antioch Baptist Church in Little Rock with Brother Richard Hamlin, David Wright and Bill Simmons all officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or charity of your choice.
Sign Guestbook
42 Condolence(s)
David Hiblong
Monday, October 27, 2025
Oh what a great friend Brother Bob always was to me. He will be greatly missed. Sister Jan and family, it’s my prayer that our Heavenly Father will add grace and peace, through our Lord Jesus Christ
The Sanders Family
Sunday, October 26, 2025
We are so sorry to read about the passing of Brother Bob. What a fine man. A lot of good people from Swifton, Arkansas! Prayers of peace to you Jan and family. Much love.
Matt Slagley
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Bob was always very kind and heart of gold. I will always hold a special place in heart for him. I always enjoyed talking with him, only wished I could've got to know him more. He will be deeply missed.
Randy and Sandra Cloud
Friday, October 24, 2025
Dear Jan and Family,
Sandra and I send our Christian sympathy to you and your family in the passing of Bro. Bob to be with the Lord. He was a faithful and dedicated servant in the work of the Lord, sharing the love of Jesus, especially with his calling to the deaf ministry. Many people with a hearing disability were able to understand the gospel through Bro. Bob’s preaching and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. May our loving Lord bless you with His comfort and grace now and in the coming days.
Charles Lamb
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Had a great deal of respect for Brother Slagley. God bless his memory, the work he has done for our Lord, and his family.
Gary & Sandra Murphy
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Our friend will be missed on earth, but we rejoice in the fact there will be a glad reunion day.
Gary & Sandra Murphy
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Our friend will be missed on earth, but we rejoice in the fact there will be a glad reunion day.
Barbara Aldridge
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Bob was such a sweet, caring, giving servant. Also funny and opinionated! Loved him so much. I'm blessed to have known him. Lovely to picture him now with our Lord. Praying for God's comfort for your loss.
Dollie Williams
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Our condolences to the family.
Bob was an amazing person. The deaf community will always remember him.
Sally Carder
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Bob was one of the best men I’ve ever met. I learned so much from him and the Deaf congregation at Antioch. He showed the love of Christ is his life. One of my fondest memories was the day we took Jeremy to visit and tour the State Police Headquarters in LR. My sister-in-law worked there. We received the “Royal Carpet tour” and were amazed by what we saw. Jeremy p, of course p, was thrilled. Love and prayers to Jan and Johnathon.
Tom butlet
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bob was always smiling. He was a joy to be around. He always seemed interested in what you were saying. Being around him, you knew he was a Christian. Our prayers are with Jan.
Norman Ross
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bro Bob was such a blessing when I was in seminary from 94-99. Got to know him well and was always such a friendly and great example of a Christian.
My prayers for the family his joy has just begun. God Bless his family in this time is my prayers.
Ray Whitmore
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bro Bob will be missed he was a blessing to all and he always encouraged younger man to stay near to Christ and follow His word. Prayers for his family!
Sherry Harvey
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Jan, prayers for you & the family. Bobby was such a kind man & will be missed by all who knew him. You’ll be in my thoughts & prayers. Sherry Harvey
Patrick Greer
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
We first met Bob and Jan at the old Southwest Missionary Baptist Church back in the 1970’s. Later Bob and I were attended seminary together. He was always an encouragement to me! The Lord didn’t make many as good as Bobby Slagley! Truly a class act! Prayers for Jan and family!
Pat and Mary Lyn Greer
Bobby Weatherford
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bob was my neighbor the day he and Jan moved in i knew we were gonna be friends , He was one of the kindest men i have ever met .Sharon and i will miss him very much !
JIM GARRETT
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
BOBBY WAS A GOOD FRIEND, AND HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. I REALLY ENJOYED HIM AS A FELLOW STUDENT IN SEMINARY. PRAYING FOR FAMILY.
Charlie Ellison
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bob and I attended Seminary together
He was a great man of God and a friend to all who knew him
Paul and Pattie Brown
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Paul and I were blessed just having known Brother Bob. Every time we were greeting the doors at Faith and helped him in he was always asking about how we were feeling before we even had the opportunity to ask him. Always thinking of others. I remember so fondly of when he and Jan came to Soul Sisters to show us how to sign, we also had the privilege to see him sign in church. We will miss him.
Traci Brown
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
So sorry to hear about his passing. Praying for Jan and the family during this difficult time. Bob was such a caring person who wanted everyone to know Jesus. He will be deeply missed🙏🏼
Suzanne Henley
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bob was a true servant, and now he’s reaping the rewards of his wonderful earthly life, being with Jesus in a place we can’t even imagine. God bless you, Jan, thoughts and prayers are going up for you and your family.
Love,
Suzanne Henley
Theresa Gray
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bob will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you, Jan stay strong. God will always be on your side. Your friend Theresa
Rubén Moreno
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Right after I finished my studies at the MBC, I was invited to Preach at his church (deaf ministry). My wife and I were very blessed To meet the congregation, Worship with them, and have a sweet fellowship.
Brother Slagley What very kind, And sweet man Of God. He will be missed.
Micah Deaton
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bro. Bob was a good friend, and I am thankful that I had the privilege to know him. He was always an encouragement to me, and he had a great heart for the Lord and the Lord's work. I am sorry to hear of his passing from this life, but I rejoice that he is with his Savior.
Pat and Merv Cagle
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Our hearts are sad to hear of Bro Bob’s death. He was such an instrument God used in so many ways …….a friend to everyone.
Prayers for Gods amazing comfort for Jan and Jonathan.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Carol Smith
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
I have fond memories of Bro. Bob when our family would attend Antioch Deaf Chapel. He was such a kind and gracious man. We always enjoyed his teaching. Praying for you and your family, Jan.
Carolyn Hamilton Butler
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
I knew Bobby and Jan when they were children. I had the privilege of watching them grow into the fine Christian people they are. It always gave me such pride to tell people that we grew up in Swifton. Bobby has always been a significant part of my life. He conducted weddings and funerals for both the Butler and Hamilton clans. He was there for us whenever the need arose. He will be missed beyond imagination. But I know that he is in heaven having a great time with Jeremy and all those who went before. Jan, Jerry and I are praying for you and we love you.
Susan Holmes
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Jan and Jonathan, Bob was the true image of Christ to those around him. I will never forget his and Jan's kindness to my sister-in-law and us. I am devastated to not be able to be at the funeral. Know you are in my prayers!
Penny Slagley
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bobby Joe Slagley was the kindest man I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. I married into the Slagley family over 40 years ago and have always loved Bob and Jan. One thing is for certain. Heaven is sweeter today because of Bobby entering is eternal home. I know one thing for certain. If he isn’t there then none of us stand a chance. He will be missed .💜
Jerry Chandler
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
I met Bob in our first year of Seminary in Little Rock. From the very beginning, Bob was so kind and friendly! He has remained a Friend through the years, for which I am blessed! Our love and prayers go out to Jan and all their family, church and friends.
Sandra Morales
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
want to offer you my deepest condolences for your loss and also tell you that God has promised to end death and resIurrect those who lost their lives in the near future.
ACTS 24:15
"AND I HAVE HOPE TOWARD GOD, WHICH HOPE THESE MEN ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO, THAT THERE IS GOING TO BE A RESURRECTION OF BOTH THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS."
Evelyn Hamilton Lunday
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I grew up in Swifton, AR with Bobby and Jan. I was fortunate to be there when they had their first date and later to be part of their wedding. He and Jan were my heroes. They devoted their lives to serving God and ministering to not only the Deaf community but to so many other people whose lives they magically touched. Bob was selfless, funny, a great story teller and a true friend to all. Go rest high on the mountain Bobby, you certainly deserve it.🙏✝️❤️
Mark and Dena George
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Ms. Jan, I truly loved that man. Mark and I are so very sorry. Love to you!
Dorothy (Jones) Youso
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
May the Lord be with the family during this time of loss of Bro. Slagley. He had served Antioch Church as well as the Missionary Baptist Seminary for many years, and will be dearly missed. He was a dear friend. ❤️
Lonya Robertson
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Bob was a wonderful man who loved others and wanted them to know Jesus. Prayers for the family.
Kelvin Richardson
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Bob was one of the kindest men I ever had the privilege of knowing. One year I took a group of college students to Costa Rica on a spring break mission trip. Bob and Jan met us there and we worked on various projects together. One day we were eating lunch at a restaurant. The folks at the table next to us were deaf and I looked up and Bob had gone over to them and started a conversation in sign language. I remember thinking, "How cool is that!" Only Bob would be so kind. A great man of God who will be sorely missed!
Nancy Quinn
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Bob was a beautiful welcoming soul. He always had a sweet smile and good word. Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. He will be missed.
Bryant (Al) Allen
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Rest in peace my friend.
Kayla Bumgardner
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I was blessed to grow up under the love and guidance of Brother Slagley at Antioch as a child. He was the first to teach me any sign language (which I was super proud of and showed off any chance I could as a kid). I was also so very blessed to have been married at Antioch by Brother Slagley in 2018. He was such a blessing to so many and he will be dearly missed until we are reunited in glory.
Kayla Bumgardner
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I was blessed to grow up under the love and guidance of Brother Slagley at Antioch as a child. He was the first to teach me any sign language (which I was super proud of and showed off any chance I could as a kid). I was also so very blessed to have been married at Antioch by Brother Slagley in 2018. He was such a blessing to so many and he will be dearly missed until we are reunited in glory.
Julie Poe
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Danny Hill
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Bob was a great man of God. We were students together in the seminary. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. I know he is resting now in the arms of Jesus. I’m praying for your family.