In Peno, Oklahoma on Friday, October 17, 1941, a beautiful baby boy was born to Arlis Clyde Kinnard and Elnora Kinnard (Barnes) - their youngest - and they named him Bobby Ray. Bobby's older siblings were Norma Jean Ford, Clyde Henry Kinnard, Mable Lois Watson and Charles Edward Kinnard.

Bobby grew up in and around Moffit, Oklahoma and Fort Smith, Arkansas. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958. As a young man, he worked hard at different jobs but decided to make his profession as a master barber. After graduation from high school, he moved to Kansas City where he attended barber college and obtained his license.

Upon becoming a barber, he moved to Wichita and made the city his home. As a young man with ambition and an entrepreneurial spirit, he opened Professional Barbershop. For more than 60 years in his profession, fathers and mothers brought sons, grandsons and great grandsons to see Bobby for their first haircut. Families into their fourth generation came to see Bobby. The Shop was a place in the community for talks ranging from sports, politics, ethics and morals to gossip - and discussion about God and religion. Some people would stop in just to sit and talk rather than receive a haircut. The shop was the place for advice as well as a few laughs. Life-long, meaningful bonds of friendship and family were forged at The Shop among the customers and the wonderful barbers who worked for decades alongside Bobby.

Bobby was more than a barber. He loved all of his family and friends. He loved to sing, play his blues guitar and piano and listen to music. He actively coached his son Bobby and other young men through the Biddy basketball program. He invested in the community. Bobby mentored other young barbers learning skills at the local barber school. He helped with providing free haircuts to kids for back-to-school programs. While recovering in the hospital, he mentioned getting his strength back to visit retirement homes and offer haircuts to their residents. Even if they don't need a haircut, he said, they may need a visitor to talk to. Generous by nature, Bobby gave back where and how he could.

Bobby leaves behind his wife of 54 years Wilma, son Bobby Jr, and daughter Michelle. He has two wonderful surviving siblings, Norma Jean and Charles. He has four beautiful granddaughters - Keiessence, Kayla, DeNae, and Lilliana. One dearly-loved great granddaughter, Darayah, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends are lovingly bonded with his heart. These friends became like brothers, sisters, sons and daughters to him. He would treat everyone like they were his favorite even as he would fuss with them now and then.

Bobby is dearly loved, respected, and fondly remembered by so many. He will be missed always.