Robert Joel Barnhill

Robert Joel Barnhill, Sr, of Cabot, Arkansas, career Air Force pilot and founder of Barnhill Orchards fruit and vegetable farm, died peacefully in his home 1 September 2025 at age 94. Barnhill was born Feb 21, 1931, in Palatka, Arkansas, (near Corning) to Roy Gilbert Barnhill and Rosa Corbett Barnhill. Grandparents were Henry Barnhill and Ellen Gilbert, both of Corning. Barnhill was born in the same house and bed as his five older siblings who preceded him in death: Mazie Palmer (Edwin), Mary Ellen McCord (Clifton), Bruce Barnhill (Frances), Roy Barnhill, Jr., (JoAnn Gooch), Evelyn Leopard (Guy).
Barnhill is survived by his wife of 73 years, Carlotta, three sons - Jon (Marsha Kaye) of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Rex (Sandy DeJong) of Cabot, Arkansas; Jeter (Susie Fleming) of Marietta, Georgia; daughter Ekko Barnhill of Cabot, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. His eldest son, Robert, Jr. (Kathy McDaniels) died in 2022 from complications of Covid.
Barnhill attended grade school in Palatka, Arkansas, and graduated from Corning High in 1948. As a senior, he was lead singer in the school play and as a tight end scored the only touchdown in the first football game he had ever seen.
Barnhill attended Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway, Arkansas, and graduated in 1952 with a degree in mathematics. On June 1 of that year, he married Carlotta Elaine Smith of Crocketts Bluff, AR. He obtained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in August 1952, the start of a 28 year career.
Barnhill's first tour of active duty was in England as a weather forecaster, followed by a transfer to Ramstein, Germany, where is first son, Robert, Jr, was born in 1956. Shortly thereafter, he was ordered to pilot training at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas, to begin initial flight instruction in the B-24 where his second son, Jon, was born in 1958. Barnhill was transferred to Whiteman AFB in Knob Noster, Missouri, for advanced training in the B-47 where his third son, Rex, was born. From there to McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas (Jeter born 1961) then back to Knob Noster (Ekko born 1962).
During the Cold War, from 1957-1963, which included the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was assigned as a pilot of a nuclear capable B-47 Stratofortress. He and crews like his stood watch in alert status against impending Soviet aggression. From 1963 – 1965, Barnhill attended graduate school at University of Chicago, earning an MS in geophysics.
From 1963 – 1966 Barnhill flew B47s into the eyes of Atlantic hurricanes, this before the days of satellites, to determine storm direction and wind speed.
In 1969, Barnhill was ordered to duty in Korat, Thailand, to fly the EB-66 as an electronic jammer escort for heavy bombers over North Vietnam. He flew ~150 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for combat heroism while in flight.
He had additional assignments at Clark AFB in the Philippines as commander of the weather squadron, and Offutt AFB, Omaha, Nebraska, with Strategic Air Command.
Barnhill retired from the Air Force on 30 September, 1980 as a Command Pilot at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with over 4000 flight hours. Along with many other medals and accommodations, Barnhill was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Upon retirement, Barnhill immediately set forth on his second career – that of a direct-to-consumer farmer on a small spread near Cabot, Arkansas, called Barnhill Orchards. Over the ensuing 45 years, the Barnhill family expanded operations at Barnhill Orchards to become central Arkansas' premier fruit and vegetable farm specializing in strawberries, blackberries, and vegetables. In 2022, Barnhill and family were honored as Lonoke County Farm Family of the Year. Additionally, Barnhill was an anchor of the Hillcrest Farmer's Market in Little Rock for some 30 years.
Barnhill was justifiably proud of his family's military legacy, which together totaled 161 years of active commissioned service from himself, his children and grandchildren.
Robert Barnhill will be buried with full military honors in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on Thursday, 4 September. Rest in peace, Bob.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com