Robert Louis Ussery

Robert Louis Ussery was born on August 28, 1957, to Julius Riley and Lucille Paris Ussery in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Due to the untimely death of his mother Lucille, he was raised by his sweet Big Mama Lucy McNeal. She, by example, taught Christian values, integrity and ingenuity that resulted in a solid and loving family environment. His grandmother was highly respected among friends and neighbors in Arkadelphia. Robert was taught that “a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Being raised in a large family of 12 he was number 7 which made him both a little brother and a big brother. He confessed his faith in Christ at a tender age and united with West End Presbyterian Church. Robert grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. He was 1975 graduate of Arkadelphia High School and shortly thereafter enlisted into the United States Army. After coming home from the Army, he played the forward position for the Eight Ball intramural basketball team. He met Sue and after a brief courtship they married and their union was blessed with a son, Robert Ussery, Jr. He also fathered Evan, Arsenio and Blandis. Robert was not only a father to his own children, but he was a father to Tasha, Kiontae and like a father to Tiffany, Kellie, LaToya and O’Bryant. He would offer words of encouragement when needed. He took his role as father seriously. His children were his pride and joy. He taught them to follow the golden rule --" treat others as they would want to be treated”. Robert possessed a strong work ethic and modeled the scripture 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." Following in his father’s footsteps he worked as a logger. He was employed by Moses Smith Logging and later Ray White Logging Company. He never had a problem getting a job and was truly a jack of all trades. He taught kindness, respect of self and others. Robert worked hard and Robert lived hard. He loved life.Being the lady’s man that he was, family and close friends nick-named him “Baby Maker”. He was always ready to socialize, barbeque and party. Robert loved the blues and horse races; with his outgoing personality, he never met a stranger and everybody knew Robert. He was a die-hard member of the Soulstars Motorcycle and Van Club, as well as, the B & M Deer Club. He gave his all in helping others by feeding the hungry, loving his neighbors, or providing shelter to those in a time of need. He not only “talked the talk”, he “walked the walk.”He was truly one of a kind and those who really knew him were able to experience the genuineness of his love. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius Riley and Lucille Paris Ussery and his grandmother, Lucy McNeal. On Thursday, August 4, 2016 Robert passed into the Lord’s embrace. His living was not in vain. Robert will forever be remembered by his children: Robert “Duke” Ussery, Jr., of Arkadelphia, Tasha M. Wright of Arkadelphia, Evan D. Ussery and Arsenio Ussery both of Hot Springs, AR, Blandis Nicholson (Darrius) of Dallas, TX and Kiontae “Doc” Thomas of Arkadelphia who he cherished as a son; ten grandchildren; six sisters, Patricia Wright (Vern) and Barbara Ussery both of Arkadelphia, Linda Johnson (Andrew) and Lula Ussery both of Garland, TX, Lela Ussery of Los Angeles, CA and Judy Rice of Atlanta, GA; seven brothers, Eddie Thomas (Beverly) of Texarkana, TX, Julius Ussery of Arkadelphia, AR, Ollie Ussery (Cynthia) of Houston, TX, David Cook of Hooks, TX, Carl F. Ussery of Arkadelphia, AR, Earl Battle (Phyllis) of Plano, TX and William Battle of Arkadelphia. He also leaves a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins, a long-time friend Dana Craig, a special friend Mia Ware and other innumerable friends and the Soulstars Motorcycle and Van Club Family. Visitation will be Friday, August 12, 2016 from 12-4pm at the funeral home. The family will gather from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at West End Presbyterian Church to receive friends and share with them the Images of life DVD. The Ussery family invites friends and extended family members to share in the final tributes to his life on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 Pine Street in Arkadelphia with Pastor Kenneth Rhodes, officiating and Rev. David Cook, eulogist. Interment will be in Piney Grove Cemetery. On Thursday, August 4, 2016, the world as we knew it changed forever. We are comforted by God’s love and our memories of Robert. We are also comforted by the outpouring expressions of love both private and public. We cannot adequately express how deeply touched we are by your kindness. Robert would have appreciated all that has been done to make his life’s celebration a lasting memory. It is with the deepest sense of appreciation and great love that we simply say, thank you! The family of Robert L. Ussery