House Concurrent Resolution 59

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROGER "BIG JOHN" EARL ROBINSON AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Roger "Big John" Earl Robinson, to rest eternally, on Sunday, February 27, 2022, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Energy, Bucatunna and Quitman communities of Clarke County, lost a wonderful friend and revered Vietnam War veteran with the passing of Mr. Robinson, born in Quitman County on April 14, 1947, to his late parents Mr. Earl and Mrs. Blanche Robinson, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, summoned to answer the patriotic call of duty, proving to be both a distinguished officer and gentleman, "Big John," as he was affectionately called, enlisted into the United States Army on July 30, 1968, and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, to shoulder the privilege of upholding the banner of protecting the rights and freedoms afforded us in the iconic symbol of Lady Liberty while serving during the Vietnam War Conflict, while assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 58th Infantry; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Robinson's willingness to risk his life and limb for the safety and security of our country perpetuates the greatness of our nation and demonstrates to others the greatness of the American spirit; and

WHEREAS, having been sent to the battle front immediately upon his arrival in Vietnam on January 9, 1969, a subsequent ensuing attack from enemy fire of the North Vietnamese caused Mr. Robinson to suffer severe injuries, which required him to be airlifted out of the country to a better equipped medical center, which abbreviated his time in war-torn Vietnam to a May 4, 1969, departure; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Robinson's reentry into the United States would be processed in St. Louis, Missouri, which would be his last assignment before receiving an honorable discharge on July 29, 1970, with the following medals and commendations: National Defense Service Medal; Marksman (Rifle M-14); Marksman (Rifle M-16); 1st Class Gunner (M-60); and Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, due to his out-of-country treatment for his injury and an unfortunate error in the accompaniment of his military records, Mr. Robinson was eventually awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB) 50 years after-the-fact, which was presented to him at the Quitman VFW Post, where he was a lifetime member; and

WHEREAS, fate would lend itself to being built in accordance with the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of his life by the Great Deity and grand architect of our lives' destiny, when Big John's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of the former Miss Earline Cooper, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony, building a lifetime of memories, which spanned the course of 54 years, and blessed with the fruitful addition of three children, with whom they shared the abundant blessings of love, honor, humility and the bountiful blessings of God's amazing grace and tender mercies; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed life's river to now stand upon the celestial shores in wonderment of Heaven's grandeur, and joyous reunion with the kindred spirits of loved ones gone on before, the legacy of Mr. Robinson's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: wife, Earline Cooper Robinson; children, Daphne Rich (Jay), Sonia Farrar (Jared) and Derek Robinson; grandchildren, Tori Zdenek (Jeff), Sammi Jo Ross (Nathan), Kinsley Farrar and Bentley Farrar; one great-grandchild, Camryn Taylor; siblings, Jeweleen Stewart, Royce Robinson, Sandy Pate, Ronald Robinson, Ricky Robinson and Shelia Mosley; numerous nieces, nephews and a community of friends and associates throughout Clarke and Lauderdale Counties; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend and honor United States veterans for their courageous service and selfless devotion to the country, state, community and family, especially those veterans of Mr. Robinson's caliber, whose life and service were a beacon of inspiration for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life, service and legacy of Mr. Roger "Big John" Earl Robinson, to whose family we express sincere and deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Roger "Big John" Earl Robinson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.