Gene Alton Hobbs

Gene Alton Hobbs, 87, passed away on January 6th, 2023. He was born on April 25th, 1935, to the late Marion and Lula Hobbs. After graduating from Hartford High School, Gene enrolled in ASTC, now UCA, in 1953. Gene was a gifted athlete who obtained many distinctions and awards while in college, ranging from a 3-year letterman in football and basketball, and a 4-year letterman in track. He set the school record in the 880-yard run, mile relay, and mile medley relay races, ran on 4 AIC track championships, 2-time champ in 880-yards and mile relay, and a 1-time mile medley relay champion. Gene was also a 2nd team, co-captain, All-AIC football player. During his time at ASTC he coached Junior Varsity basketball and was on the track and field honor roll. Gene is a member of the UCA Letterman’s Club, UCA Alumni Association, the UCA Sports Hall of Fame, and the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame. While Gene was a senior in college, he met the love of his life and future wife, Frances Davis. Gene would go on to gain his master’s degree. Over the next thirty-two years, he would use his education and experience as an athlete to become a coach and a principal throughout Cabot, Bee Branch, Bryant, and Holly Grove. It was in Holly Grove where he would be the principal for twenty-five years. After thirty-two years, Gene retired from education and began work for Pat Salmon & Sons driving the mail truck for more than two decades. Gene was also a proud Sunday School Teacher, song leader, and faithful Deacon at the former Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Gene was also a ‘green-thumb’ who enjoyed growing beautiful flowers and loved to grow vegetable gardens that were open for all to enjoy.
Those preceded in Gene’s death are his parents, Marion, and Lula; one son, Mark (Melissa) Hobbs; two brothers, Marion Jr., and Robert Hobbs; and three sisters, Geneva Salters, Hazel Moss, and his twin, Jane Glover. Gene leaves behind spouse of 65 years, Frances Hobbs; daughter, Janine (Jim) Sain; three grandchildren, Michael (Brandi) Sain, Mallory (Jimmy) Adams, Rachel Hobbs; six great-grandchildren, Luke, Cole, Jake, and Allie Sain, Peyton, and Jamie Adams; along with a host of other family and friends.

His funeral service will be held at Fowler Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 10th at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior with burial to follow at Franks Cemetery, Holly Grove. Officiant is Bro. Rick Glover with Gene’s grandson, Michael Sain providing the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Active pallbearers are Andy Sain, John Henry Sain, Michael Sain, Jim Sain, Jimmy Adams, Carl Fannon. Honorary pallbearers are the “Purple Circle” of UCA. Tribute video at www.fowlerfh.com