Larry Wayne Robinson

It is with heavy hearts, grateful spirits, and more than a few cherished memories that we announce the Heavenly promotion of Larry Wayne Robinson. While we will miss him deeply, we take comfort in knowing that he has traded earthly struggles for eternal joy and is now exactly where he always hoped to be.

Larry was born on March 5, 1944, to Earnest and Doris Robinson. On September 10, 2026, he answered Heaven’s call and was welcomed home by his Savior, along with a family reunion that surely included plenty of laughter. As the second-youngest of six children, Larry grew up in a busy household and never quite lost his competitive spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents and all five of his brothers and sisters. We can only imagine the stories and jokes already being exchanged in Heaven.

Larry leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of nearly 59 years, Marcella “Kay” Robinson of Maumelle, Arkansas. Together they built a life filled with faith, family, laughter, and unwavering commitment. He is also survived by his sons, Kevin (Sherri) Robinson of Maumelle, Arkansas, and Brian (Lisa) Robinson of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Larry’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren: Erin (Amber) Robinson of Maumelle, Arkansas; Caleb Robinson, Brooklyn Robinson, and Jacob Robinson, all of Jonesboro, Arkansas. He is also survived by what feels like an army of nieces and nephews, all of whom knew they were loved by Uncle Larry. He may not have spoiled them equally, but he certainly tried.

For 40 years, Larry worked as a machinist for Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles, Michigan. He was part craftsman, part problem-solver, and part magician when it came to fixing things. After retirement, he and Kay packed up years of memories and headed to Arkansas to be closer to their children and grandchildren, a move that brought him some of the happiest years of his life.

Larry never met a sport he didn’t want to play. In his younger years, he enjoyed fast-pitch softball, golf, and basketball. To his sons, however, he wasn’t just a player. He was the permanent quarterback of backyard football games and the undisputed all-time pitcher in summer wiffle-ball battles. Whether the kids wanted him on the field or not, Larry seemed to have secured a lifetime contract for the position.

When he wasn’t playing sports, Larry could usually be found in his workshop. He was an accomplished woodworker whose talent turned ordinary pieces of wood into beautiful works of art. He and Kay loved attending craft shows together, where Larry would often leave with far more ideas than available space in the garage.

More than anything, Larry loved God. Sunday was his favorite day of the week. As a longtime member and deacon of Dowagiac Missionary Baptist Church, he faithfully served the Lord and his church family for many years. A perfect Sunday for Larry included church in the morning, lunch and laughter with family in the afternoon, and church again in the evening. He believed there was no better way to spend the Lord’s Day.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Larry, it was his sense of humor. He could find something funny in almost any situation. He loved making people laugh, teasing those he loved, and reminding everyone not to take life too seriously. His family often says that many of Larry’s best qualities, especially his quick wit, live on in his children and grandchildren. In fact, if you hear an unexpected joke at a family gathering, there’s a good chance Larry’s influence is still at work.

It’s difficult to say we have lost him when we know exactly where he is. We will miss his laugh, his stories, his wisdom, his competitive nature, and his presence in our lives. But his legacy will continue through the family he loved, the faith he lived, and the countless memories he leaves behind. So today, we are not saying goodbye. We're simply saying, “See you later, Sweetheart. See you later Dad. See you later, Papa. See you later, Uncle Larry. "Until we meet again….

Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, Maumelle.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.