Franklin Douglas Robbins, Jr.

Franklin “Doug” Douglas Robbins Jr, 68, died Saturday, December 21, 2019, at home in Paragould following a struggle with lung cancer.

He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Nancy; his son, Kyle and his wife, Allie; and two grandchildren, Ripley and Rayce, and many close friends.

Born and raised in Manilla, AR. The son of Frank Robbins, he remained in Arkansas for his lifetime barring his time in Germany, El Paso, TX and Key West FL during his service in the United States Army.

In his early years, Doug had a repair shop focused on repairing televisions and radios. After graduating from Turrell High School in 1969, he enlisted in the US Army in 1970. While enlisted, he continued his education and received a bachelor's degree in Engineering from Maryland University. He met his wife, Nancy Shutes, while stationed in El Paso, TX. After dating for 3 months, they decided to tie the knot and were married in 1972 at University Presbyterian Church. It was a love not yet seen before by man. Soon after being wed, the pair departed for Germany for his first overseas tour of duty.   

After serving in the Army, Doug returned to Arkansas and worked in Memphis as a video and camera technician servicing the local media stations. He was later recruited by Eagle Communications to maintain cell phone traffic for the Tri State area. He not only took pride in his work, but truly relished the friends and connections he made during his time with both companies. While working for Eagle Communications, Doug suffered a spinal cord injury. Though this injury may have limited his mobility, it did not limit his mind. After retiring from Eagle, Doug went on to develop a jamming system for the US military in an effort to eliminate remote roadside bombings overseas. This invention undoubtedly saved countless lives.

Doug had a passion for animals, fostering and adopting many dogs throughout the years. He and his family volunteered at local adoption events. Many of the dogs he adopted were older and unwanted. Where he hadn’t been allotted many second chances in life, there was always room in his heart to give another chance to an unfortunate animal.

An avid Ham Radio operator and drone pilot, there was nothing that gave him more joy than to talk to complete strangers across the ocean or fly the newest drone aside from the joy he achieved by spending time with his grandchildren. He had dreamed of growing old and being there to teach them and to especially teach them how to fly his drones. He cherished his grandchildren and thanks to them he had been given a new outlook on life. Sadly soon after his second grandchild was born, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He remained strong throughout the ordeal. Having to undergo brain surgery to remove a tumor that had metastasized. He survived 4 months after the surgery, never giving up and always focusing on restoring the mobility that he had lost due to the cancer. Even at his lowest, he served as a beacon of light and hope to those around him.

A graveside service with military honors will be at noon on Friday, December 27, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye, AR.  Rev. Albert Camp will be officiating. 

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