Charles Edward "Blackie" Robbins

Charles Edward "Blackie" Robbins, 85, of Crossett, Ark., died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Ashley County Medical Center in Crossett. Graveside services are Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m. at Pinewood Memorial Park in Crossett. Honorary pallbearers are his nephews, Victor Wayne Robbins, James David Robbins, Michael Robbins, Richard Robbins, Johnny Robbins and Robert Temple. A lifelong resident of Crossett, Blackie was born in Thornton, Ark., on Sept. 22, 1927, to Mary and Curnie Robbins. He retired as a conductor for the Ashley Drew & Northern Railroad, where he also served as the longtime local chairman and national delegate of the United Transportation Union. He farmed in Chicot County and was a member of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. A World War II veteran, Blackie was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy after serving on the USS Minneapolis in the Pacific. He loved to read, work with wood and tinker with small engines. A wildlife enthusiast, Blackie also liked to fish and bird hunt. He was a former Boy Scout leader and graduated from Crossett High School in 1947. Blackie was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Berniece Robbins; his older brothers, Victor Earl Robbins and Lavern "Monkey" Robbins; two half-brothers, Hayward Robbins and Gilbert Robbins; and two nephews, Charles Ray Robbins and Billy Earl Robbins. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sue Hayden Robbins; his children, Candy Robbins of Crossett, C.F. "Bubba" Robbins of Portland, and Julie C. Robbins of Little Rock; his granddaughters, Hayden Doss of Monroe, La., and Adrienne Doss of Little Rock; a sister, Sybil Robbins Temple of Cedartown, Ga.; a brother, Jimmy Robbins of Rayville, La.; and a host of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Friends of the Crossett Public Library, 1700 Main Street, Crossett, Ark. 71635 or the Kone-Crossland Zoo, 1141 Parkway Drive, Crossett, Ark. 71635.