Robert's true calling was the funeral business from a very early age. He began working at Henderson Funeral Home and Stephenson Funeral Home as a young man before going to Louisiana to work for Tenner Funeral Home and Montgomery Funeral Home. He then returned to Monticello to work for Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home as a licensed funeral director and insurance agent. He worked for three generations of the Stephenson-Dearman family. Robert was a very integral part of the funeral home receiving numerous Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Company awards for insurance sales over the years and has written several thousand policies for Southeast Arkansas residents. He enjoyed cooking, especially the barbeque where he could use his famous homemade barbeque sauce. He was also an avid Arkansas Razorback fan and loved keeping up with his family and friends on his cell phone. Robert was a lifelong member of Pilgrim Rest AME Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Lemuel Ridgell and Frederick Arrington and wife Patricia; maternal grandparents, Oscela Smith Sr. and wife Lonzela and Annie Mae Allen Smith; and paternal grandparents, Clifton Arrington and Reola Swain.
He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn McCray Arrington of Monticello; children, Ramona Stanley and husband Robert, Teressa Gipson and Calvin Gipson all of Louisiana, Kiwanda Kuthong and wife Linda of Texas, Latreasha Charleston of Illinois and Tamara Riddle and husband Herman of Wisconsin; siblings, Hugh Arrington and wife Chris of Monticello, Marilyn Trotter and husband Henry of Monticello, Cassinger Coopwood of Texas, Boulder Henry of Texas and Fredrick Henry of Nebraska; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Ridgell of Monticello; eleven grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chris Goodman, Rev. Lorenzo Simmons and Rev. Graylin Wilson officiating. There will be a wake Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. You can sign Robert's guestbook registry here on his page.
Condolences(35)
Judy Floyd
North Las Vegas, NV Monday, October 13, 2025 Condolences to the family🙏🏽🙏🏽Patty Mitchell
Monticello, AR Monday, October 13, 2025 I was sad to see this obituary for Mr. Robert….he was always such a friendly face to see then I was working for ups. Even since I’ve retired, when I see him he has always spoken and asked how I was doing. May God grant you eternalpeace and give your family and loved ones assurance and confidence you are with your blessed maker.
Reginia Hawkins-Jones
Fountain Hill, AR Saturday, October 11, 2025 My prayers and thoughts are with the family in your time of bereavement. Mr. Robert was always kind and helpful to me and my family. He will be missed. May God bless and keep you all in His loving care. Love, Reginia Hawkins-JonesShendina Ray
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 11, 2025 Uncle Robert, you will be missed dearly. I love you! Now, rest up unc!Leveta
, WI Saturday, October 11, 2025Robert Earl has served his time well in the community, he will be missed.
To Gwendolyn and family, stay strong and encouraged.
Debra Barnes
Crossett, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 Cousin Robert Earl. You will be missed. I will miss your phone calls to me to check on me. RIP Love you.Maxine Ridgell
Monticello, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 Robert and his family were one of the first families I met when I came to UAM in 1969. They were always so nice ,friendly and welcoming. Whenever you saw Robert he was the same. I'm going to miss running into him at the Post Office and catching up on whats going on. We will dearly miss him but He is at Peace now. No more pain, Just Rest.Maxine James Ridgell
And Family
Orlando Jones
Monticello, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 Mr Arrington always had a smile and a conversation if you gave him the chance. He loved his work. You could see his dedication by how he moved with intentionality. Praying for his wife Gwendolyn and his entire familyOrlando Jones
Monticello, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 Mr Arrington, Always had a smile and loved his work. His dedication showed in how he moved internationally. Praying for his wife Gwendolyn and his entire family..JoAnn Walton-handy
Little Rock, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 My Prayers are with you Arrington family. Mr. Arrington was truly a professional in the Funeral Industry. I met him years ago at one of our funeral directors meetings only to find out that he and my cousin Bonnie Mitchell were the very best of friends.All my love to youJoAnn Handy
Little Rock, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 My Prayers are with you Arrington family. Mr. Arrington was truly a professional in the Funeral Industry. I met him years ago at one of our funeral directors meetings only to find out that he and my cousin Bonnie Mitchell were the very best of friends.All my love to youPeggy Everett
Monticello, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 To Mrs. Gwen and the entire Arrington Family sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around each of you during this difficult time. Mr. Robert was a very special person to me and my family. He was a good, nice, and compassionate man. I'm going to miss the delicious cakes and tea cakes, but not as much as I'm going to miss him. Take your wings Mr. Robert fly high RIP RIL!!Erika L Green
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 You will truly be missed! Prayers for the Family...Bernadine Jones
Warren, AR Friday, October 10, 2025 I didn't know Mr. Arrington but he appears to be a person I would have enjoyed meeting. I am sorry for the family's loss.Mr. & Mrs. Laron Simpson
Crossett, AR Thursday, October 9, 2025 Sending our heartfelt sympathy to Gwendolyn Arrington and the entire family. Robert will surely be missed in the community and at Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home. Rest in Peace cuz a job well done. ❤️🙏John Hudspeth
Bristow, VA Thursday, October 9, 2025 Prayers for the family and friends. Rest in Peace Cousin Robert Earl. 💕🙏💕Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 9, 2025 To Mr. Roberts family: You all have my condolences at this sad time. I have always seen him as a kind and compassionate man. He has been a great asset to Stephenson/Dearman. May you find comfort in knowing that he is now with his LORD!TOMMY SHAWs
GALT, CA Thursday, October 9, 2025 SENDING PRAYERS ,REST EASY BROTHER ROBERTLARRY DONELL WELLS
Colorado Springs, CO Thursday, October 9, 2025 Please know that we are mourning with you the loss of Robert Earl, who was a very dear friend. We find comfort in the knowledge that his kindness, compassion and spirit will live on through those he has left behind.YUSTIN
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 9, 2025 SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS PRAYER FOR YOUR FAMILY. 🙏🙏🙏Renèe Binns
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 9, 2025 Mr. Robert was the nicest man. Always loved to see him come in the bank. He loved his family and their accomplishments. Prayers for all his loved ones.Dr Sam Wherry Ph.D
LITTLE ROCK, AR Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Robert Arrington and I were childhood friends throughout Adulthood, Friends and colleagues. Robert was one remarkable, Accomplished, Funeral Industries Par Excellence, Accomplished Performance Assessment, Professional, Proficient, Executive of Monumental Honor, Integrity, and Grandeur, with Fruitful Achievements, in addition to being an Accomplished Spouse to my Childhood classmate, Gwendlyn Faye Arrington.May God’s Favor and Covering be upon Gwendlyn and the Family, Chuck Dearman, and Stephenson Dearman Funeral Services during this time of Bereavement of Robert Earl Arrington
Respectively Submitted
Dr Sam Wherry Ph.D
Ricky and Vera Owens
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 8, 2025 He has always helped our family any way he could. Our deepest condolences to the family . He will be truly missed.Marilyn Elaine Matthews
North Little Rock, AR 7211, AR Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Arrington Family, much love and prayers for you all. May God bless and keep you all.Lin Lin
Nederland, TX Wednesday, October 8, 2025 You will be truly missed pops, 😢 I will keep my light on for you, you know that was your favorite quote. Rest in peace Mr. Robert "POPS" Arrington. We Love ❤️ you. 🙏🙏Brenda Edington
Conway, AR Wednesday, October 8, 2025 The knew he needed in his garden and he chose you to make it beautiful so take your rest and Fly High but definitely going to be missed.🙏🏾🕊️💙🙏🏾🕊️💙Faye Harris
Tucson, AZ Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Praying for the family. Sorry for your loss!!Brenda Edington
Conway, AR Wednesday, October 8, 2025 The knew he needed in his garden and he chose you to make it beautiful so take your rest and Fly High but definitely going to be missed.🙏🏾🕊️💙🙏🏾🕊️💙James and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Arrington FamilyWe are so sad and sorry for your loss of Robert. Prayers for each of you.
Kathy , Ann Scogin sister
Shante' and the Daniels family
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 7, 2025 We the Daniels family are giving our condolences to the family. We love you allMichelle Handley
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Rest In Peace & Love my friend!! You will be missed by all who knew and loved and respected you.... Pray your family is Covered with comfort during this time of mourning. May God Bless Us AllJanice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Tuesday, October 7, 2025 I am so sorry to hear about Robert Earl's passing. What a great guy who will truly be missed by all. We worked together in the GM dealership and he was quite entertaining and loved by all. Again I am so very sorry and am praying for your comfort and peace in this sad time. May God bless!Janice
Gwendolyn White
Memphis, TN Tuesday, October 7, 2025 My sincere condolences to the family and God's speed to an old friend.Jo Jordan
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 7, 2025 I'm so deeply sorry for our loss he was my guy an will truly b missed 🙏Kiwanda Nuthong
Nederland, TX Monday, October 6, 2025 To Be Absent From The Body, Is To Be Present With The Lord. I Love You POPS.Your Baby Girl Scooter.