Robert accepted Christ Jesus at the young age of eleven at Seven Star Missionary Baptist Church, Dermott, Arkansas, under the leadership of Pastor S. M. Taylor. He attended Morris Booker Memorial College. In 1947, he met and married Doris Jones at the age of seventeen. In the early 1950's Robert and Doris relocated to Pittsburg, California. Robert's career began at E. B. Mud Water Company, but his marriage to Doris dissolved a few years later.
In 1955, Robert met and fell in love with Ollie Jean Lewis, and to this union four children were born. However, they too parted ways in the late 1960's.
After twenty-three years in California, Robert retired form E. B. Mud Water Company and moved back to Dermott, Arkansas, where took a job with Justice Produce Company as a truck driver. After a few years, he began a new career at the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
In 1975, Robert and Murean Edwards built a home together where they finished raising their blended family until each child went off to live their adult lives. Robert and Murean separated in 1994, but remained friends and continue to support each other.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; Hezekah and Tennessee Arberry and Magglene Russ and William Moore; two aunts, Eveleyn Russ Green and Jimmie Lee Jackson; a son David Lee Walker and stepson Otis Whitehead.
Robert will be greatly missed by his children and step children; Shena Arberry, Dermott, AR, Tonda Smith, Oakland, CA, Liberious Arberry, Dermott, Shurniece Arberry, Monticello, AR, Jeanetta Walker, Oakland, CA, Karen Nelson, Little Rock, AR, Leroy Whitehead, St. Louis, MO, Ervin Whitehead, Oxnard, CA, Suzette Wells, Houston, TX, Juanita Lloyd, Little Rock, AR and Junetter Crockett, Pine Bluff, AR; twenty grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two loving sisters, Lillie Mae Parker, Dermott, AR, and Joan Walker, Antioch, CA; two devoted first cousins, Marilyn Moore and Nora Briggs; three nephews who were like sons; Michael Turner, Bobby Ray Parker, and his name sake, Robert Lee Parker. He will be missed but not forgotten…
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(9)
Paige Stell
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 15, 2015 You are all in my thoughts & prayers during the days ahead. Thank you so much for allowing me & our team in your home to care for this sweet man. He will be missed by many.Love, Paige Stell, RN
Martha, Ann, Thomas & Joshua Parker Jr
Lynwood, CA Saturday, August 15, 2015 Our prayers are with you all. May God give you strength now and forever more. We love you all !!!!Martha Fullwiley, Ann King, Thomas & Oletha Parker,
Joshua Jr & Mildred Parker
Cora Johnson
Richardson, TX Saturday, August 15, 2015 Dear Family,We know that our words can not comfort you, nor heal your hearts. But, we know for sure, there is One who is more than able. God is with you, He loves you, and He will guard your hearts. We love you and we are praying for you and with you.
Always,
Cora Parker-Johnson and Family
Linda Sanders
San Francisco, CA Friday, August 14, 2015 We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Sanders Family will continue to keep you in our prayers. Remember, you are not alone. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Trust him. We love you.Linda Sanders and Family
Thelma LaVerne Brown
Los Angeles, CA Thursday, August 13, 2015 To you and yours in sympathy, a message just to say That many warm and heartfelt thoughts are there with you today. May God show you the way to new hope, peace, and happiness.Laura Neal Handley
Dermott, AR Tuesday, August 11, 2015 Robert, I am so sad to hear that you are no longer with us. My family and I will truly miss all the wonderful and fun times we had together. May you rest in peace. Love alwayssteven neal
dermott, AR Monday, August 10, 2015 gone to be with the lordjames payne
Dermott, AR Sunday, August 9, 2015 my prayer are with the familyEleanor Johnson
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 8, 2015 May GOD have mercy on your soul. Rest in peace.