Robert "Bob" R. Levins

Robert (Bob) R. Levins, age 87, of Beebe, Arkansas died February 22, 2021. A native of Clark County, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice, their children Robert Levins (Gina Guccione) of Los Angeles, California, Tracy Levins-Canning (Jeff Canning) of Austin, Texas, Lara Boyce of Beebe, Arkansas, and Katie Freeman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, five grandchildren (Ethan Boyce, Jacob Boyce, Alex Boyce, Abby Canning and Kate Canning), and two great-granddaughters, Aryanna and Riley. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Eloise Levins of Beirne, Arkansas, and two sisters, Crystal Varnell of Crossett and Charlotte Toombs of Arkadelphia.

Bob was born on October 26, 1933 as the youngest child and only son of Raymond and Eloise Levins. He graduated from Gurdon High School and attended Arkansas A & M College (later the University of Arkansas at Monticello), earning a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Management in 1954.

He joined the Arkansas National Guard, graduating from the US Army Infantry School in Fort Benning, GA and the US Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Lieutenant Colonel Levins retired from the US Army after over 40 years, closing his military career as the Facility Manager, Operations and Training Specialist and Administrative Officer at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock and Ricks Armory in Little Rock.

His professional career also spanned 50 years in the forestry industry at Fordyce Lumber Company, Georgia Pacific Corporation retiring from the Arkansas Forestry Commission in 2007.  Bob was named a Fellow of National Society of American Foresters in 1996, was selected Arkansas Division SAF Forester of the Year in 1997, and in 2010, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, the Ouachita Society of American Foresters bestowed the Volunteer Leadership Award to him in 2012 and inducted him into the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame in 2013.

Bob was a devoted family man and friend who was loved and admired by many.  Before his illness, Bob was an active member of Beebe United Methodist Church, a regularly scheduled adult Sunday School teacher, and a dedicated volunteer at the Beebe Christian Outreach Center.

The family wishes to thank Arkansas Hospice Foundation, particularly LaDonna Adams and LeeAnn Fleener for the care, support, and love they provided Bob and Alice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in the name of Robert Levins to Arkansas Hospice Foundation (14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116) or to the Beebe Christian Outreach Center (110 E. Center Street, Beebe, Arkansas 72012).

A COVID-safe memorial service will be held at the Beebe United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 4:00 pm with arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. To view the service online, go to the Beebe United Methodist Church Facebook page (@beebefumc) or their YouTube channel at Beebe, AR FUMC.