Robert "Bobby" Paul Crockett's Obituary
Robert “Bobby” Paul Crockett, beloved husband, father, grandfather, attorney, businessman, and Arkansas football legend, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was 83.
Born April 3, 1943, in Briggsville, Arkansas, in Yell County, Bobby grew up in Dermott, where he excelled in athletics and developed the determination and character that would define his life. Following his graduation from Dermott High School, he signed with the University of Arkansas and became one of the most accomplished players in Razorback football history.
A gifted wide receiver standing 6-foot-3, Bobby was a key member of Arkansas' 1964 National Championship team and helped lead the Razorbacks to back-to-back Southwest Conference championships and a remarkable 22-game winning streak. He earned All-American and First-Team All-Southwest Conference honors in 1965 and was selected to the University of Arkansas All-Decade Team of the 1960s and the school's All-Century Team.
Among his many accomplishments on the field, Bobby made one of the most memorable plays in Arkansas football history when he caught a 34-yard touchdown pass against top-ranked Texas in Austin during the 1964 championship season, helping secure a 14-13 victory. He later set a Cotton Bowl record with 10 receptions for 129 yards in the 1966 Cotton Bowl and was widely recognized as one of the finest receivers of his era.
In 1966, Bobby was drafted by both the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League and the New York Giants of the National Football League. He chose to play for the Bills and enjoyed a three-year professional football career.
While his athletic achievements brought him recognition, Bobby's greatest impact came through the way he lived his life. Known for his warmth, generosity, and ability to connect with people from every walk of life, he never met a stranger. His family remembers him as a man who loved life, loved people, and made everyone feel welcome.
Following his football career, Bobby earned a law degree and established a successful law practice in Clinton, Arkansas, where he faithfully served his clients and community for many years. He was also a businessman and owner of Crockett's Country Store and Canoe Rental in Harriet, Arkansas, a family enterprise that has welcomed generations of visitors to the Buffalo River and continues to be family operated today.
His contributions to sports were recognized with induction into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in 2002 and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
Bobby will be remembered not only as one of Arkansas' greatest football players, but also as a devoted family man, trusted attorney, successful businessman, loyal friend, and proud Arkansan. His legacy of perseverance, humility, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frances and Robert Crockett and a sister Annette Crockett Norris.
He is survived by his wife Laurel Shields Crockett; three sons Bobby Crockett and his wife Samantha, Hayden Crockett and his wife Paige and Creed Crockett and his wife Amanda; six grandchildren Trey Crockett and his wife Kortney, Sydney Crockett, Taylor Hearnsberger and her husband Will, Spencer Crockett and his wife Hannah and Kale and Lilly Crockett; three great grandchildren Presley and Chet Crockett and Hank Hearnsberger and countless friends, teammates, and former clients whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude for the many prayers, calls, visits, and expressions of love and support during Bobby's illness. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be deeply missed.
Cremation arrangements under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home.
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