Bobby Keaster

James Robert “Bobby” Keaster, a life-long resident of Nashville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 12th, surrounded by his family. Bobby was born in Nashville on January 20, 1954, and spent his entire life both enjoying and serving the community.

Bobby graduated from Nashville High School with the class of 1972 where he was very active in sports, lettering multiple years each in football, baseball, track, and basketball. He was a school record holder in the 440-yard dash and was the first in Nashville to run it in under 50 seconds. He was involved in many organizations including student council, Class Tattler, N club, and the National Honor Society. He continued his association with Nashville Public Schools after graduating from Ouachita Baptist University. Bobby taught in the Nashville school system for 26 years and drove a school bus for 40 years. He retired in 2002 after teaching both driver’s education and 7th grade life science. Bobby spent the next 22 years as the Director of the Howard County Housing Authority. He retired in 2024 and was selected for the Arkansas NAHRO Housing Hall of Fame, receiving abundant support from both community and state leaders.

Bobby served the community of Nashville in numerous ways.He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church, serving on multiple committees through the years. He was a 20+ year member of the Nashville Rotary Club, was a Paul Harris Fellow, and once served as the club’s president. Bobby served on the Nashville City Council for over 20 years. He was a founding member of the Nashville Park Commission, serving more than 30 years and was one of only three emeritus members. Bobby was a long-time member, past club champion, and multiple time president of the Nashville Country Club. 

Bobby was involved in many business ventures in Nashville throughout his life. He owned rental properties, established both Mine Creek Village and Mine Creek Storage, and even dabbled as a cattle and hay farmer. Bobby’s hobbies included golf, fishing, horseback riding, and spending time with his family and friends.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Mary Keaster. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Vanessa, his two children Lindsey Keaster Galloway and her husband Forrest,and Landon Austin Keaster and his wife Jessica. He was also survived by seven rambunctious grandsons, Grayson, Sloan, Grant, Beckett, Archie, Weston, and Graham, and one brother, Billy Keaster and his family. 

Bobby always told people that Nashville was the best small town in America. Compassionate people are what make this small town so special and unique. Bobby knew he was abundantly blessed throughout his life. His spirit will continue to live on in the community and with those that he so dearly loved. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Nashville City Park to continue blessing the community.

Nashville City Park, ATTN: Megan Floyd, 1301 West Johnson St., Nashville, Arkansas 71852

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home of Nashville.

You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com