Orin Ray Robinson, 98
Funeral services for Orin Ray Robinson, 98, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, were held Sept. 12, 2025, at Smith Chapel Church in Zanoni with burial at Smith Chapel Cemetery.
He died Sept. 8 in North Little Rock.
He was born on Jan. 24, 1927, in Gainesville. As a young man of 18, he enlisted in the Army during WWII, ending his service with the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his service, he married the love of his life, Ima Jean Naugle. They together raised three daughters, who were the loves of his life.
He received his undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State in Springfield and his master’s degree and doctorate of Education from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He began his love for teaching in a one-room school in Ozark County, then continued teaching high school and eventually taught college at Southwest Missouri State University for 29 years, with his last 21 years as the Industrial Education and Technology Department Head. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2007, recognizing his passion for his profession and enrichment of the college and his students.
He served faithfully as an elder for the Broadway and Madison Church of Christ and the Sunset Church of Christ in Springfield for many years.
He was a loving and devoted son, brother, father and husband. He always provided for his family and lived as a Godly Christian man, setting an excellent example for life and leaving a legacy worth gold for those who knew him.
His survivors include his wife of 78 years, Ima Jean (Naugle) Robinson of North Little Rock, Arkansas; his three daughters: Linda (Robinson) Mowrer and her husband Michael of Knoxville, Tennessee; Janet (Robinson) Akins of Sherwood, Arkansas; and Ronda (Robinson) Duce and her husband John of Louisville, Kentucky; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Robinson and Linnow (Morrison) Robinson of Springfield; his brother Don Robinson and his wife Shirley (Whitehead) Robinson of Searcy, Arkansas, and his son-in-law Jim Akins of Sherwood, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Orin Robinson Scholarship Fund by making checks payable to the Missouri State University Foundation with a note that it is for the Orin Robinson Scholarship. Mail contributions to: Missouri State University Foundation; 300 S. Jefferson Ave., Suite 100; Springfield, Mo. 65806. Gifts can also be made online at www.missouristatefoundation.org, Orin Robinson Scholarship can be written in the "additional gift details" box.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.