Bobby Gene Damon

Bobby Gene Damon, 89, of Imboden, passed away at his home on June 27, 2020. Born at 221 West Kentucky St. in Blytheville, on May 18, 1931, to Harry Earl and Annie Laurie (Freeman) Damon, Bob was an avid outdoorsman, an ardent devotee to the social and political sciences, a veteran of the Korean Conflict and a Master Mason. But most importantly, he was a loving father and grandfather.

Bob grew up in Blytheville, where he graduated from Blytheville High School in 1949. He attended both Arkansas State College and the University of Arkansas before enlisting in the U.S Navy during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the Navy, Bob attended electronic school in Millington, Tenn., subsequently serving a combat tour aboard the U.S.S. Boxer off the coast of Korea in 1953.

In 1954 Bob was discharged from the Navy and returned to Blytheville where he met Rowena “Cissie” Hughes, his late wife of 55 years. Bob and Cissie moved to Jonesboro while he finished his education at Arkansas State College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and economics in 1957. 

After college, Bob began a career in accounting and finance, extending to Miami, Fla., and throughout the Midsouth before obtaining employment with Bale Chevrolet in Little Rock in the early 1970s. He served as finance manager for Bale Chevrolet for 18 years before retiring in 1988. At the age of 56, Bob was able to fulfill his dream of retiring to his rural property in Western Randolph County, near Water Valley, where he lived peacefully for 32 years. Bob was an active member of American Legion Post 261 in Ravenden Springs for many years, where he served on the honor guard. He was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, and at the time of his passing was an active member of Chickasawba Lodge #134 Free and Accepted Masons in Blytheville.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Rowena (Cissie); his parents, Harry Earl and Annie Laurie Damon; two sisters, Earlene Foster and Billie Barnes; and one great-granddaughter, Emma Gale Noblitt.

He is survived by three children, Rodney (Michelle) Damon of Miramar Beach, Fla., Carmen (Walter) Dunning of Imboden, and his adopted grandson James (Cassie) Damon of Pocahontas; five grandchildren, Tamara Noblitt, Reginald Damon, Logan Damon, Andrew Damon and Rilee Damon; four step-grandchildren, Jonathan Camp, Matthew Camp, Timothy Camp and David Camp; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Huff and Brooklyn Scott; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at McNabb Funeral home in Pocahontas on Saturday July 11. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. memorial service will follow at 2 p.m.