Ollie J. Robinson

Ollie Joseph Robinson, Sr., commonly known as “Ollie Joe” undoubtedly was a remarkable and classy guy. He passed from this life on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. He was seventy-five. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., officiating, and Rev. Marshall Allen, eulogist. The interment will be at Harmony Community Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, November 17, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ollie Joseph Robinson, Sr., was one of the younger children born to David and Eloise Hughes on February 28, 1948, in Manning, Arkansas. Ollie Joe grew up to be a smart, handsome, and charismatic young man. He accepted Christ at an early age at Harmony Baptist Church and was a 1966 graduate of Sparkman Training School. Ollie Joe was undeniably handsome, classy, and suave.

His greatest accomplishment in life was becoming a father and that role was the beginning of a transformative chapter in his life. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren immensely. Although not perfect, he made sure he always did and gave his best. He preached love, kindness, and respect for self and for others.

Ollie Joe was a man of the land, and he loved the outdoors. He was the CEO of Robinson Farms and Livestock, LLC. With vast expanses of open land and fertile soil, he provided an ideal environment for raising livestock. He took pride in capturing the essence of his ranching lifestyle and kept himself current on topics such as livestock management techniques, market trends, auctions, and other USDA events. He was a longtime member of the Dallas County Cattleman Association.

Ollie Joe was a beloved member of Eastern Star Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir and President of the Usher Board. Although his voice didn’t launch him a career as a professional singer, he was an all-around favorite singer to many.

He made friends easily and always greeted others with a smile, a heavy handshake, or an arms-wide-open hug. Although his time seemed brief, his memory will live for generations to come. 

Ollie Joe’s life was characterized by a steadfast commitment to what he thought was right and those things that he loved. He was preceded in passing by his parents, David and Elosie Hughes Robinson; sisters, Mary Lillie Dean Robinson, Annie B. Parker, and Robbie Sue Bragg; brothers, David Roberson, and James Anthony Robinson, and a nephew, Courtney Robinson.

Ollie Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Melanie Lewis, Bryant Robinson (Karla Steel), Lashawn (Steve) Broadnax, Sharon (Jacob) Golden, David (Angela) Robinson, Raydale (Philana) Robinson, Jeff (Rumesha) Robinson, Dawn (Corey) Bolton, Shevon (Reggie) Batch, and Ollie “OJ” (Jennifer) Robinson, Jr., and his sister, Sarah (Brezell) Swopshire. He also leaves thirty-nine grandchildren, and thirty-three great-grandchildren, a special friend, Cathy Hunter; nieces, nephews, and cousins, the Eastern Star Baptist Church Family, and numerous friends.

Pallbearers will be Josh Newburn, Harold Evans, Simuel Jones, Tony Johnson, Macho Wilson, and Billy Wilson, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Sampson Robinson, Freddie Bragg, the Deacons, and Ushers of Eastern Star Baptist Church.