Obituaries

Robert Ragon White

Photo of Robert Ragon White
Robert Ragon White was born August 1, 1947, in Little Rock, Ark., to Steed Dewitt White and June Robertson White. The eldest of three boys, he traveled childhood following his father's coaching career from Little Rock to Ft. Smith and on to Fayetteville. After graduation from Fayetteville High School in 1965, Bob attended (and received his undergraduate degree from) the University of Arkansas where he was an active member of Signa Phi Epsilon and lettered three years as the Razorback football team's place kicker. He was a key player in the 1969 Sugar Bowl against Georgia when after a scoreless third quarter he kicked field goals of 24 and 31 yards in the fourth quarter to seal the Arkansas win at 16-2. At the conclusion of the season he was named an Academic All-American. He was a member of the Cardinal Key Honor Society. Bob continued his education at University of Arkansas School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1972. His law career spanned more than 40 years and countless contributions. He self-admittedly walked a circuitous path but believed in the power of paying it forward, and it was evident in the connections and mentorships he nurtured. He chose to lead a less scheduled life in 2012, and redirected his focus to grandchildren, golf, and gardening. He was his own harshest golf critic which made for occasional grumbling in the fairway but showed in how well he played. And when it came to solving the most complex plant problems or searching for the best 5 iron, people often joked that there was nothing he could not find on Google or Amazon. Above all, Bob beamed brightest when he talked about the adventures and achievements of his children and grandchildren. Bob was wrapped in love and surrounded by those closest to him when he peacefully died on October 7, 2020 in Branson, Mo. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother, William Charles White, and wife, Donna. He is survived by his partner and lifelong friend, Linda Kearbey; daughter, Dawn (Jerry) Garrison of West Fork, Ark.; son, Ashley White of Springdale, Ark.; son, Travis Taylor Stout of Atlanta, Ga.; brother, James Thomas (Mechele) White; nephew, Steed (Kenna) White; and four grandchildren – Reagan, Nathan, Alexis and Jackson. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Bob's name or that you choose to invest time and energy into a mentoring partnership in his honor. Online guestbook: www.luginbuel.com

Published October 13, 2020

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