Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ruebel Funeral Home on Mar. 20, 2026.
Dr. Robert A. Porter Jr, 75, of Little Rock died February 3 following an extended illness. He practiced medicine for over 25 years and later enjoyed a second career for another 25 years serving in private wealth management at Stephens Inc.
A native of Blytheville, Rob graduated from the University of Arkansas where he majored in business and finance and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. During his senior year at the U of A, he was inspired to attend medical school by a surgeon at Campbell Clinic Orthopedics in Memphis who treated him following a serious car accident.
Rob graduated from UAMS with the highest honors in 1978 and completed his residency at Campbell Clinic where he had been treated earlier.
Following his residency, he spent many years working with TCS Orthopedic Clinic in Little Rock as well as helping establish Ortho Arkansas in 1997. After being diagnosed with a bone disease that resulted in a total spine fusion, he retired from being a surgeon in 1999.
Using his business and finance undergraduate degree, Rob then began a second professional career at Stephens Inc. where he had the joyful opportunity to partner with his son, Charlie.
A member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, he was involved in numerous civic and charitable activities including the Board of Easter Seals, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation.
His favorite pastimes, however, were spent with family and friends. From hunting at Worthington Island, attending Razorback games, fishing at Stetson's, enjoying Norfork Lake at the Blytheville Colony, driving the party barge at Lake Hamilton, hosting Couchwood gatherings, following Bruce Springsteen concerts, duck hunting on the Grand Prairie and traveling with family and friends, Rob was always one with the biggest smile, sweetest disposition and generous spirit.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Alton Porter Sr and Martha Ann Lynch Porter. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marilynn Moseley Porter; their two sons Charles Robert Porter and his wife Beth and John Alton Porter and his wife Ginny; three grandchildren Emery Porter; Reese Porter and West Porter all of Little Rock; his sister Judy Bilbrey Harwood of Memphis; his brother in law, Mark Moseley and his wife Cathy of Blytheville; and his dear friend and devoted caregiver for over 25 years John Hughes as well as Larry Britt, Thomas Boose and Frances Rodriquis, all of Little Rock.
Rob's memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday February 27, 2026 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. The brothers of Sigma Chi Fraternity will conduct The White Rose Ceremony at the church service. The service will be streamed live at ww.phumc.com/live.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Dr. Robert A. Porter Endowment, 4823 Woodlawn Drive,
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205; the First United Methodist Church, 701 W Main,
Blytheville, Arkansas 72315 and The National Cold War Center, 4701 Memorial Drive,
Blytheville, Arkansas 72315. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com of Little Rock.