Ryland R. Robinson, Jr.

Ryland R. Robinson, Jr., 93, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at home. He was born October 25, 1922 in Grant County, son of Ryland R. and Allie Jackson Robinson. Mr. Robinson was reared and received his early education in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School. Despite not having much formal education, his work ethic and desire to help people succeed made Ryland highly regarded in business and in the Pine Bluff Community. He was an active member of Watson Chapel Baptist Church, serving on several committees. Ryland was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Pine Bluff, serving as past president and Lieutenant Governor. He was also a member of the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce for many years and past president of the Pine Bluff Planning Commission. Ryland served on the Civil Service Commission for 6 years, Pine Bluff Crime Commission, volunteered at the Literacy Council of Jefferson County and S.C.O.R.E. and served on the Board of Governors for Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Robinson worked with State Farm Insurance Company for over 40 years, retiring in 1990. He started with State Farm with a small agency in rural Arkansas and later managed the eastern half of Arkansas before retirement. Ryland mentored many agents and many of his mentors became very successful. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby McCaskill Robinson; two children who he raised, Clayton McCaskill and Linda Maxwell; his parents; and four brothers. Survivors include his grandchildren, Leah Morgan of Pine Bluff, Kerri Melton of Pine Bluff and Sean McCaskill of Dayton, Texas; two great-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Watson Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend Todd Howard and Reverend Steve Monk officiating. Burial will follow in Lost Creek Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Robinson's. The family would like to give special thanks to Sian Cline for her personal care in treating Ryland and his late wife, Ruby, like family. The family would also like to thank Mary Morton, Kay Wade and Dion Wade as well as the wonderful nurses at Hospice Home Care. Memorials may be made to Watson Chapel Baptist Church, 5514 Pinnacle Lane, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603 or Hospice Home Care, 3063 West 28th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.