Robert Reed Hartley was born on July 14, 1948, in Birmingham, Ala. and died on Feb. 11, 2026, in Ozark, Mo. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. degree in business and marketing. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps Reserves during the Vietnam War and also served in the Army National Guard Reserves. Rob married Judy Junkins and had two children, Austin and Casey. Rob and Judy owned over forty Mexican restaurants and became multi-millionaires. Rob further worked as Vice President of Marketing at KinderCare Learning Centers, president of The Caring People, and Director of Development for CBN’s 700 Club. Rob moved to Missouri to become Vice President of Marketing for Silver Dollar City and eventually owned Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Company. Later in life, he was awarded Top Salesman at Balboa Bed Company and First Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year at Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium. Rob served on various boards and ministries, giving generously and supporting the local and international church. He considered it his spiritual gift to pray and encourage people. He was an avid photographer who loved capturing nature and people, especially his family. Rob’s funeral was held at Ozark Full Gospel Church on Tuesday, Feb. 17, followed by military honors and burial at Weaver Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children and their spouses, Austin and Andrea, and Scotty and Casey; his sister Christy, and his twelve grandchildren, who loved him dearly.
