Robert Warner

Robert Warner was the All-American Boy, hard-working cattleman, and most importantly, a devoted family man. Robert Allen Warner, Sr., is the first child of Jack and Ruth Warner, born March 29, 1952. He was surrounded by doting grandparents on both sides-George and Gladys Crumpton and Boy and Clara Warner. Both his parents and grandparents loved him dearly and nurtured him to be a fine young man. Robert's childhood was filled with great memories of roaming the hills and hollows of his grandparents' farm with his many friends and his cousins. This, along with caring for the two Purina Chow Brittany bird dogs at the Crumpton's Feed Store, helped foster his love of animals and farming. Robert and his brother and sisters and cousins all belonged to 4-H Club, as did many of his best friends, and they spent countless hours riding horses together. Over the course of around 12 years, Robert won numerous first place trophies and ribbons, including two first place silver trays when competing with amateurs and professionals in the Dixie National. Robert was a proud 1970 graduate of Louisville High School. He was a valuable team player in football, baseball, basketball and track. He was awarded a football scholarship to Ole Miss where he met several lifelong friends. Then Robert played football and baseball at East Central Jr. College his sophomore year. His greatest love was for baseball, and he played on a semi-pro team for many years after college. He made numerous lifelong friends playing baseball, and his teammates admired him for his determination and competitiveness, but also for his even disposition and sportsmanship. Robert and his wife, Gail, were lifelong classmates and friends but started dating seriously in high school. Theirs was a Hallmark romance, and they married on July 30, 1972. Their love for one another is indisputable. Their family grew with the births of their three children, Leigh, Robert Jr., and Patrick. Robert and Gail raised them by the same guidelines which they were brought up by, love for God and family, always do your best at what you are working at, and always respect others. Without question, Robert's greatest earthly joy was his family. His entire life was devoted to his wife, parents, brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and countless other extended family members. He considered it his greatest blessing to be able to spend time with so many of them on a daily basis. From Sunday lunches to Saturdays at a ball park or horse show, he never took for granted the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, always whispering wise words of advice, poking fun in his good-hearted way, or taking a moment to hold a baby on his knee. It was his greatest honor to be able to care for his family and provide for them in every way he could. While he was not one to strive for earthly treasures, he was dedicated to making sure his loved ones never went without. His entire life was filled with hard work and sacrifice (the word "vacation" was simply not in his vocabulary), but he wouldn't have had it any other way. Most of this hard work and sacrifice took place through farming, a source of pride second only to his family. While Robert was not one for travel and rarely ventured outside of Winston and Neshoba County, it was because he believed there was no greater view than of the acres and acres of farmland and cattle that he expertly and lovingly cared for every day of his life. His love of his farm and cattle extended into his work at both the Winston County Sale Barn, where he worked 25 years before working an additional 25 years at the Neshoba County Livestock Barn. Robert enjoyed meeting and taking care of his customers. Robert Warner was a gentleman; he was not arrogant or pushy, but he knew how to stand his ground for his beliefs. He was a rock-solid friend, and if he told you something, you could depend on his word. Tough as they come, men and women respected him for his integrity. His family and friends will be forever grateful for the example he set and the legacy of love he leaves behind. Robert is survived by his wife, Gail, and their three beloved children and spouses: Leigh Warner and Max Maxey, Robert Jr. and Hayley Warner, Patrick and Lindsey Warner. His dearly loved grandchildren and their spouses are: Kenley McMullan and Ben Brainerd, Trey McMullan and his fiancé Mary Presley Harrington, Hayes Maxey, Grace Maxey, Katie Ruth Warner, William Warner, Brynn Warner, and Nora Kate Warner. He has two precious great grandchildren: Charlotte Brainerd and Vivian Brainerd. He is also survived by his siblings, Babs and Lennie Fulton, Beth and Neal Chandler, and Jack Jr. and Pat Warner. He is predeceased by his father and mother, Jack and Ruth Warner. Serving as pallbearers are Dusty Warner, Cody Warner, Burr Warner, Hugh Barrier, Kenny King, and Eddie Wooten. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons, Trey McMullan and William Warner. Memorials in honor of Robert may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org. Services are under the direction of Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.