Robert Nixon

Robert Nixon, M.D., 87, of Pine Bluff, died Sunday, July 14, 2013. Born May 2, 1926 in Pine Bluff as William Robert Nixon, he was the son of Coy Madison Nixon and Willie Belle Mason Nixon. Dr. Nixon was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1944 as president of the student body. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, V-12 Unit at Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, during World War II, from July 1944 to September 1945. He attended Hendrix College, Conway, Arkansas, from February to May in 1946 before entering the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in Little Rock where he graduated in 1950 and then interned at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. Dr. Nixon served as physician at Blaw-Knox Construction Co. Bacterialogical Warfare Area at the Pine Bluff Arsenal until he was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served as medical officer from 1953 to 1955. After the war he returned to U.A.M.S. as a resident in ophthalmology and began his practice of ophthalmology in Pine Bluff in September, 1957. He served as Jefferson Regional Medical Center chief of medical staff, president of the Jefferson County Medical Society, and president of the Arkansas Ophthalmological Society. Dr. Nixon retired at the age of 80 in 2006. He was former president of Greenback Investors Inc. Dr. Nixon was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jefferson Philip Nixon, and two brothers, Lin "Buddy" Nixon and Allen Nixon. Survivors include his wife, Jane Cheairs Nixon; children, Lyn Nixon Bayless [Monte], William Robert "Bob" Nixon, Jr. [Pam], and Dr. David Nixon [Ann]; grandsons, Jeff Bayless [Raychel] and Tom Bayless; granddaughters, Jennifer Nixon, Alice Ann Nixon McClure [Dr. Tim], Carol Nixon Ricketts [Brandon], Laura Nixon and Sally Nixon; great-grandchildren, Wesley, Betsy, Charlotte, and Sarah Margaret McClure, Campbell Bayless and Emma Ricketts, and his brother, Coy M. Nixon. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Lakeside United Methodist Church with Reverend Pam Estes officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of Lakeside. Burial will be private. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 Olive Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.