John Robert “Bob” Martin, age 85 of Nashville, Ark., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. He was born on March 29, 1941, in Nashville to the late R.G. and Pearl Martin.
During the 1950s, Mr. Martin was a star athlete at Nashville High School and excelled in track and football. Later, he earned a scholarship to Henderson State University where he was a multi-time 100-yard dash champion and an “anchor leg” on AIC mile relay record holders. He held this record for over 30 years.
After college, Bob moved to Hawthorne, Calif., where he married and had two children. He had a long career for American Airlines before moving home to Nashville, Ark., where he raised his boys. In Nashville, he worked in several places, including Tyson Foods, Inc., operated Hart Poultry and kept books for D&J Supply. He was well known to everyone for his selling vegetables on the corner of Sunset where he formed many relationships. He was a family man who loved hunting, fishing, Scrapper Football, and all things Razorbacks!
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ruth Smithson Cooper; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Emogene Martin and one son, Steven Martin.
Those left to cherish his memory include a son and daughter-in-law, David Martin and Kayla; five grandchildren, Whitney Evans, Nicole Martin, Amber Martin, Adison Williams and Asher Williams; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home of Nashville.
