1928-2024
Harvey Eugene "Red" Gatlin of Pine Bluff Arkansas, born May 18th, 1928, went home to be with our Lord on October 21st, 2024. He was a member of Pleasant Home Missionary Baptist Church and a devout Christian.
Harvey, better known as Red, was a simple man who valued his independence. Red worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad since he was 16 years old. After his retirement from the Cotton Belt, he worked for 15 years on project 819 with the Railroad Historical society. He was the oldest living retiree from the Cotton Belt Railroad.
Everyone who knew Red would tell you that he was the kind of man that would do it himself. He was always working on things from gardening to woodworking. He also loved to be in his kitchen where he would create the most delicious jellies, pickles, and of course the world’s best coconut cake. Red was the true definition of a benevolent, kindhearted man. He would give you the shirt off his back if it meant you would be warm.
Not only was Red a tremendous husband and father, but he was also a superb grandfather. He loved his grandchildren with all his heart, and they loved their "Pawpaw Red". He was a well-loved man. There will never be another man like Red Gatlin. He was a great soul and a true "OG Red" as he was affectionately known by many of his grandkids.
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."-Abraham Lincoln
Red is survived by his son John (Virgina) Gatlin of Sheridan; grandchildren, Justin Gatlin of Pine Bluff, Sidney (Jeff) Patton of Sheridan, Carson Norwood of North Little Rock, Carter Castrejon, Caiden Castrejon, Claire Castrejon of Sheridan, Michelle Bishop (Wayne) of North Little Rock, Annette West of Pine Bluff, Chad (Lori) Gatlin of Sheridan, Chris (Alicia) Gatlin of Pine Bluff, Michael West of Pine Bluff, Jessica Cothran, Eric Gatlin (Brandy) of Redfield; great-grandchildren: Remington Patton of Sheridan, Ryan Bishop, Brody Bishop (Kim), and Jared Bishop (Samantha) all of North Little Rock, Elizabeth Lawrence (Spencer) of Pine Bluff, Grayson Gatlin of Sheridan, Allen Munn and Marissa Hartless of Pine Bluff, Chandler, Trystyn, and Kirsten of Pine Bluff, and Landon Gatlin of Redfield; great-great-grandchildren: Addison Bishop of North Little Rock, Wesley Silvey of Pine Bluff; and many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert McKay (Kay) Gatlin Sr. and Carrie Mae Walters Gatlin; brothers, SGT Runyan Otto Gatlin, Charles Vernon Gatlin, Henry Marion (Red) Gatlin, and Robert McKay Gatlin J.R; sister, Mary-Lou Koonce and Martha Yaunt; the two greatest loves of his life, Lillie Mae Gatlin, and Virgina Leeanne (Jane) Gatlin; children, Larry Gatlin, Harry Gatlin, and Marilyn West (Gene West); and a grandson, Bobby Hartless.
Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 P.M. Monday, October 28, 2024, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son, followed by a celebration of his life at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Pine Bluff.
