Dr. Bobby Lee Gravett, Sr., age 93, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at CHI St. Vincent Medical Center in Hot Springs. He was born February 6, 1933, in Humnoke, the son of the late Albert Lee and Laura Marie Mason Gravett.
Bob was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. He received his BSE in 1958 from UCA, his MSE in 1962 at ASU and his Ed. D. in 1969 from the University of North Texas. Bob began his career in education as Head Boys basketball and track coach at Dewitt Public Schools 59-63, Principal of Keiser Elementary School 61-63, Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Track Coach and teacher at Dewitt 63-65. In 1965 he began his career at OBU as Assistant Football coach, Head Track and Field Coach and Physical Education Instructor. Bob became the Chairman of the Department of Health and Physical Education, Head Track and Field Coach, Head Cross Country Coach and Professor of Physical Education at OBU in 1969.
Bob was AIC Track and Field Coach of the year in 1980, 1966 and 1988, NAIA District 17 Track Coach of the Year, 1972-74, 1980, 1986 and 1988, NAIA Area V Track Coach of the Year, 1972, 1974, 1980 and 1986, and was Inducted in the NAIA Track and Field Coach Hall of Fame in 1986. He was in the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1996, OBU Hall of Fame in 2004, UCA Hall of Fame in 2007, World University Game Coach in 1979 and U.S. Olympic Festival Coach in 1986. Bob coached seventy-five NAIA All Americans, 12 National Champions, one Olympian, one Olympian Trial, one most valuable National Track meet athlete and many All-AIC athletes.
He was a former President and member of the Arkadelphia Lion’s Club, former past President of the Arkansas Track Coaches Association, former President of NAIA Track Coaches Association and a member of the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marie Gravett, one grandson, Stephen Lee Gravett, two brothers, Larry and Carroll Gravett.
Bobby is survived by his son, Bobby Lee Gravett, Jr. (Gail) of Arkadelphia, one brother, Johnny Gravett of Little Rock, one granddaughter, Stephanie Vassaur (George) of Rogers, two great-grandchildren, Laken Edwards and Braxton Gravett, three great-great grandchildren, Naomi, Ryder and Tobi Gravett, William Vassaur, two step-grandsons, William Vassaur of Oregon and Derek Thornton (Christina) of Little Rock and one step-granddaughter, Brandi Lalli (Jon) of Dallas, and one granddaughter in law, Kris Bishop of Arkadelphia.
Graveside services were held Friday, August 7, 2026, at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens with Pastor Jimmy Darby and Pat Ponder officiating.
Pallbearers were members of the OBU Track and Field Team.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 116 N 7th St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 or Humane Society of Clark County, P.O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit http://www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.