FAYETTEVILLE — Mr. Robert Prince,

prominent Marked Tree farmer, merchant and civic leader died June 5, 2020, at his home in Fayetteville, Arkansas surrounded by his family. He was born January 14, 1933, the son of Guy and Lorine Prince, in Marked Tree, Arkansas. After graduating from Marked Tree High School, he attended college at Arkansas Southern in Monticello. He joined the Air Force during the Korean War where he served four years of active duty. Upon returning home in 1957, he partnered with his father in business and farming, and continued his duty in the National Guard. He married Barbra Capooth on June 10, 1962, and raised two beautiful daughters, Robin and Debbie. Bob and Barbra celebrated 58 years of marriage.

Robert Prince was preceded in death by his brother Gary Ellsworth Prince, his mother, Amy Lorine Helsel Prince, and his father, Guy Lindley Prince. He is survived by his wife Barbra, his two daughters, Robin Prince of Springdale, Arkansas and Debbie Pauling and husband Kerry of Bentonville, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Hunter Pauling, Jacob Nance, John Nance and James Schnoes.

Mr. Prince owned and operated Prince Furniture and Appliance Company for many years. Farming became his primary interest in 1975 where Bob and Barbra worked together as owners and operators of Prince Farms for over 40 years. He would take care of the daily farming operations while she assisted with marketing and accounting. Together, they were named the Poinsett County Farm Family of the Year in 1983. In 1990, he became the co-owner and co-operator of Marked Tree Equipment Company, which later became Prince and Parker Equipment. Mr. Prince was a member of the First Baptist Church. He served on the Board of Directors for the Marked Tree CO-OP for 20 years. He was also a member of Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and on the Industrial Board for the city of Marked Tree.

Robert enjoyed duck hunting where he was a member of the Marked Tree Hunting Club. Other hobbies included antique cars, golfing, and reading, especially history. His favorite highlight of the year was the annual family vacation to Florida.

While keeping a role in his farming operation, Robert retired to Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2015 to be near his children. He was a special Papa to his grandchildren whom he loved so dearly. Robert was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will always be loved and remembered.

Private service for the family was held at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fayetteville. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Marked Tree Cemetery. Date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Marked Tree at 412 Liberty Street, Marked Tree, Arkansas, 72365 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org. To place an online tribute visit www.nelsonberna.com.