Robert "Rob" Clyde Hornsby

September 24, 1947 - June 4, 2022

Robert Clyde “Rob” Hornsby, 74, of White Hall, AR passed from this earth Saturday, June 4th, 2022. Robert was born September 24, 1947 in Rayne, Louisiana, the son of Emmett “Ran” and Della Moseley Hornsby Rucks. He was reared and received his education in this same town. Robert entered the United States Navy in 1966 and served during the Vietnam war aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. It was here, working on the flight deck, that he was bitten by the airplane bug. Robert was honorably discharged in 1969 after completing his obligation to our country. After his military service Rob returned to his hometown of Rayne where he married his sweetheart, Loretta. Together they moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he began his long career with the Cotton Belt Railroad and in this town they would start their family. After 23 years of service with the railroad his career was cut short due to an injury suffered while on duty. After recovering, he and Loretta switched gears and purchased the Northwest Arkansas franchise of Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. Robert and Loretta successfully operated and grew this business for over ten years. In 2006 they made the decision to sell and move back to the White Hall area in order to be closer to their son, daughter, and grandchildren. They continued working in the tax filing and bookkeeping industry, operating Tax Break tax services until his passing. Robert was a doting father, grandfather and husband who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He came from simple beginnings and knew firsthand the social obstacles and humiliation persons in poverty endured. His goal in life was to see that his children and grandchildren never suffered in this way and were given every opportunity he could afford. Robert succeeded in this and his sacrifice will not be forgotten in the prosperous generations that follow him. Robert was a bear of a man but one that absolutely loved to laugh. He was always up for a good joke (the less politically correct the better). He was also a great storyteller and countless hours were spent spinning yarns of his military and railroad days; his various scraps and dust ups; but above all he enjoyed sharing his many escapades flying a Beech 18 between the US and Mexico as a “Chicken Express” pilot. Wink Wink. Robert had a true lifelong passion for aircraft and achieved his instrument, multi-engine and commercial ratings. His piloting legacy will be carried on by his grandchildren who undoubtedly were influenced by his experiences and love of aircraft. Robert was also a lover of food. This was especially true of desserts for which he had a particular weakness. Many a diet came to an end due to the temptation of a pie or bowl of ice cream. He was especially susceptible to his daughter's Coconut cream pie and would often go back for seconds or thirds just to make sure it “hadn't gone bad”. Grilling and smoking meats was a close culinary second to his love of sweets. While he often cussed and discussed the results of his carefully monitored brisket, his ribs were absolute perfection. Lucky for all he enjoyed sharing them and you could always count on a platter full of smoked goodness at any family gathering he attended. The untimely loss of Robert has left a hole in the hearts of his friends and family that won’t soon heal. This being said, he has succeeded in life by being an inspirational example of what a man should be and what hard work can achieve. He will not be forgotten and will live on in all that knew him. Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Laura Beth Hornsby. Survivors include his wife, Loretta Andrus Hornsby, whom he married December 20, 1969 at Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church in Branch, Louisiana; daughter, Kera (Gabe) Galster of Hot Springs; son, Brian Ross Hornsby; sister, Betty Yvonne Livingston; and three grandchildren, Jessica Morgan Hornsby, Gabriel Michael Galster and Noah Allen Galster. Pallbearers will be Gabe Galster, Todd Hoffpauir, Brian Hornsby, Noah Galster, Gabriel Galster and Kyle Hoffpauir. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Robinson and Fuller White Hall Funeral Chapel in White Hall, AR. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church in Branch, Louisiana with Brother Sigmon Richard officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until service time at Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church in Branch. Interment will follow in Elizabeth Memorial Cemetery by Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne, Louisiana. Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141. Gossen Funeral Home, Inc.