William R. Mashburn

William R. “Bob” Mashburn II joined his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 22, 2018.

He was born Aug. 11, 1949, in Fayetteville, Ark. He graduated from Hot Springs High in 1967 and later from Henderson State University with the very first B.S. degree ever awarded in Aviation Science.

Bob began his aviation career at 16, became a certified flight instructor and commercial charter pilot for various companies in Hot Springs and Little Rock. His determination garnered him positions as co-pilot for several major airlines. He earned captain status and flew 747 jets all over the world, prior to his retirement.

While flying with the airlines, he pursued his second passion by sailing his 34-foot Ericson extensively in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. He made several trips to Cuba, where he eventually lost his boat in a squall off the Cuban coast.

Bob was proficient with any guitar or banjo and played professionally for some time. His warm wit and easy smile will be missed. Bob will be remembered for his tenacity. He never gave up on the people or ideas that were important to him. In his 68 years, he literally accumulated two lifetime’s worth of experiences.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Lee (Bette) Mashburn Burnelle, and his sister, Martha Sue Mashburn Dixon.

He leaves to cherish his memory his father, Dr. William R. Mashburn (Wanda), of Hot Springs; and a brother, Carl G. Mashburn (Sherry), of Little Rock; two nephews, Dr. Brian C. Mashburn (April), of Little Rock, and William Craig Mashburn (Samantha), of Lincoln, Neb.; two nieces, Rhonda Lytle (Shane) and Andrea Binnion, both of Fort Worth, Texas.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Road, Hot Springs, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.

Online guestbook at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.