Robert Bollier Obituary

Robert Arlin Bollier, age 55, a beloved teacher, friend, and entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025. Born in Conway, Arkansas, on February 21, 1970, to the late Cynthia and Jimmy Bollier, Robert was known for his soft-spoken and giving nature, sense of humor, and the remarkable way he never met a stranger. He was also famous for giving the best hugs and having a great smile. Robert grew up in Guy, Arkansas, and graduated from Guy-Perkins High School in 1988. He went on to earn an AA in Agriculture from Arkansas State University-Beebe and a BSA in Agricultural Education from Arkansas State University, where he was president of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and continued to be a proud alumni. For more than 30 years, Robert dedicated his life to shaping young minds as an Agricultural Teacher and FFA Advisor. His students, whom he considered his own kids, felt his lasting impact at schools across the country: Wickes Public Schools, Wickes, AR (1993–1998) Drumright Public Schools, Drumright, OK (1998–2002) Martin's Mill ISD, Ben Wheeler, TX (2002–2005) Cheraw High School, Cheraw, SC (2005–2014) Lexington Technology Center, Lexington, SC (2014–2025) Beyond the classroom, Robert's passion for agricultural education was evident in his leadership roles. He served as President, Past President, and a board member of the South Carolina Agricultural Educators Association. His dedication made a profound impact on everyone he met. A passionate advocate for the FFA, he earned numerous state and national awards, pouring his heart into helping students succeed and shaping their character, as evidenced by accolades such as South Carolina Teacher of the Year and his most coveted recent award, the SCACTE statewide Carl Perkins Community Service Award. Robert had a passion for agriculture that extended to goat farming, with goats all over Lexington County. He was a valued and respected member of the West Columbia River District. In addition to his teaching career, he was a successful entrepreneur of a hospitality business (Twist) that proudly makes substantial contributions to numerous philanthropies. Robert is survived by his five siblings: DeAnne Bollier; Tracey Grissom (Ross); Janie Crouch (Randy); Lisa Stacy (Lonny); and Thomas Bollier (Connie). He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and his business partners, Don Walsh and Nena Sinclair. And a special thank you to the Tillman family, who took great care of Robert during his career in South Carolina. A memorial service for Robert's friends and family will be held at the Lexington Technology Center, 2421 Augusta Highway, Lexington, SC, on September 2nd at 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a drop-in reception to follow from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. A second service for friends and family to honor Robert's life will also be held in Greenbrier, Arkansas at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home on Saturday, September 6th at 10:00 a.m. for visitation and service to follow at 11:00 a.m.. Burial to follow at Copperas Springs Cemetery in Guy, AR immediately following services. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family in South Carolina. To honor Robert's passion for the future of agriculture, the family asks that you consider a donation to a new National FFA Scholarship. This scholarship will be created to support students inspired by his dedication and to honor Robert's legacy, with additional details coming soon. Please direct any questions to Michele Dennis at [email protected].