Robert Petter, Sr.
Aug 14, 2020
USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of Robert Franklin Petter, Sr., of Tollville, Arkansas, who passed away August 12, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and sons, Robert and David.
"Bobby," as he was known to all, never met a stranger. He farmed in Stuttgart and Tollville, and also served on the BancorpSouth board of directors.
“Bobby loved people and rice farming,” said Arkansas crop consultant Merle Anders. “He was friendly to all but never missed the opportunity to corner you and ask something about rice -- it was always on his mind! He believed that change was necessary as long as it did not mess with the bottom line and thus kept his two boys straight and narrow in the farming operation. His support for the rice industry was enduring and is carried on by David and Robert. His smile and warmheartedness will be missed by all and particularly those of us in the rice industry.”
“Bobby was the backbone of the Petter family, his community, and the farm,” said Bill Free, Riceland Foods director of member relations. “We could always count on Bobby, along with his sons Robert and David, to promote rice farming and Riceland. He will be missed by many.”
A graveside service at Lone Tree Cemetery in Stuttgart will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 15. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peters Episcopal Church in Tollville, Grand Avenue United Methodist Church in Stuttgart, or The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart.