Robert Ragon White
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Obituary
Robert Ragon White was born August 1, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Steed Dewitt White and June
Robertson White. The eldest of three boys, he traveled childhood following his father’s coaching career
from Little Rock to Ft. Smith and on to Fayetteville.
After graduation from Fayetteville High School in 1965, Bob attended (and received his undergraduate
degree from) the University of Arkansas where he was an active member of Signa Phi Epsilon and
lettered three years as the Razorback football team’s place kicker. He was a key player in the 1969 Sugar
Bowl against Georgia when after a scoreless third quarter he kicked field goals of 24 and 31 yards in the
fourth quarter to seal the Arkansas win at 16-2. At the conclusion of the season he was named an
Academic All-American. He was a member of the Cardinal Key Honor Society.
Bob continued his education at University of Arkansas School of Law where he earned his Juris
Doctorate in 1972. His law career spanned more than 40 years and countless contributions. He self-
admittedly walked a circuitous path but believed in the power of paying it forward, and it was evident in
the connections and mentorships he nurtured.
He chose to lead a less scheduled life in 2012 and redirected his focus to grandchildren, golf, and
gardening. He was his own harshest golf critic which made for occasional grumbling in the fairway but
showed in how well he played. And when it came to solving the most complex plant problems or
searching for the best 5 iron, people often joked that there was nothing he could not find on Google or
Amazon. Above all, Bob beamed brightest when he talked about the adventures and achievements of
his children and grandchildren.
Bob was wrapped in love and surrounded by those closest to him when he peacefully died on October 7,
2020 in Branson, Missouri. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother William Charles White
and wife Donna. He is survived by his partner and lifelong friend, Linda Kearbey, daughter Dawn (Jerry)
Garrison of West Fork, Arkansas, son Ashley White of Springdale, Arkansas, son Travis Taylor Stout of
Atlanta, Georgia, brother James Thomas (Mechele) White, nephew Steed (Kenna) White and four
grandchildren – Reagan, Nathan, Alexis and Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to a charity of your choice
in Bob’s name or that you choose to invest time and energy into a mentoring partnership in his honor.
Robertson White. The eldest of three boys, he traveled childhood following his father’s coaching career
from Little Rock to Ft. Smith and on to Fayetteville.
After graduation from Fayetteville High School in 1965, Bob attended (and received his undergraduate
degree from) the University of Arkansas where he was an active member of Signa Phi Epsilon and
lettered three years as the Razorback football team’s place kicker. He was a key player in the 1969 Sugar
Bowl against Georgia when after a scoreless third quarter he kicked field goals of 24 and 31 yards in the
fourth quarter to seal the Arkansas win at 16-2. At the conclusion of the season he was named an
Academic All-American. He was a member of the Cardinal Key Honor Society.
Bob continued his education at University of Arkansas School of Law where he earned his Juris
Doctorate in 1972. His law career spanned more than 40 years and countless contributions. He self-
admittedly walked a circuitous path but believed in the power of paying it forward, and it was evident in
the connections and mentorships he nurtured.
He chose to lead a less scheduled life in 2012 and redirected his focus to grandchildren, golf, and
gardening. He was his own harshest golf critic which made for occasional grumbling in the fairway but
showed in how well he played. And when it came to solving the most complex plant problems or
searching for the best 5 iron, people often joked that there was nothing he could not find on Google or
Amazon. Above all, Bob beamed brightest when he talked about the adventures and achievements of
his children and grandchildren.
Bob was wrapped in love and surrounded by those closest to him when he peacefully died on October 7,
2020 in Branson, Missouri. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother William Charles White
and wife Donna. He is survived by his partner and lifelong friend, Linda Kearbey, daughter Dawn (Jerry)
Garrison of West Fork, Arkansas, son Ashley White of Springdale, Arkansas, son Travis Taylor Stout of
Atlanta, Georgia, brother James Thomas (Mechele) White, nephew Steed (Kenna) White and four
grandchildren – Reagan, Nathan, Alexis and Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to a charity of your choice
in Bob’s name or that you choose to invest time and energy into a mentoring partnership in his honor.
Funeral Service
Service information unavailable.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Aug 1, 1947
Oct 7, 2020
73
Documents
Tributes
Bob and I go many years back competing at Paradise Valley, club tournaments as well as the Lindsey Cup matches. Bob was a passionate competitor, yet gracious man, for the game can be a
an uplifting experience as well as humbling. You could have an intelligent conversation with Bob on nearly any subject. His dry wit and humour was indeed infectious to say the least. I’m fortunate to have crossed paths in our transient human endeavours. He truly embodied the the verse “We Our all Kites in the Wind”. I’d like to think Bob would appreciate my liberty using that existential quote from Michael Murphys book Golf in the Kingdom. I’ve been competing in the game for 54 years now, my late grandfather Edward Desbien who lived to be 92, didn’t take the game up till he was about 65, told me “Robbie remember this no matter how good you get at the game the most important thing you shall find is that the game is about the association you meet and develop along the way.” I am proud to reflect that Bob White was a recognizable fun part of this shared experience. Shanks for the Memories Bob. Peace and Love to you and your family.
Rob Desbien - Golf competitor
Rest in Peace, Bob. We will miss you at PVAC. I am glad we got to play several rounds this year and I won't forget the hole-in-one on #7 you carded a few months ago.
Douglas Rhoads - Golf Friend
Bob White and I played a lof of golf back in the 70;s and 80's. In all cases he was an opponent. I had not seen Bob in many years but was thrilled to meet up and talk to him at the Chick-A-Tee in Springdale a few weeks ago. He told me that God had given him a mulligan on life and he appeared to be happy and enjoying his life. I have fond memories of being around Bob White. Lee Trevino once said that even God cannot hit a one iron. At the time I was playing Bob about 40 years ago, he could hit a 2 iron better than anyone I knew at the time. I am going to say that right now Bob is giving God a lesson hitting a one iron.
Stan Stockton - Golfing buddy
Dawn and Ashley, Rob I are so sorry for the loss of your father.
I remember him and your mom as wonderful people and they will be missed.
Roberta Billingsley - Friend
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's death. I enjoyed talking with him from time to time. He was able to talk me out of some very dark times. I will forever be appreciative of him for that.
Brooke Lockhart
Brooke Lockhart - Friend/Attorney
I met Bob as a fellow competitor and we played a fair amount together in the late 80's through the mid 90's.
Bob was a really good player, a colorful character, and I always enjoyed seeing him and visiting after the round.
And I'll never forget how much he hated #12 at Chenal Founders course!
Condolences to the family.
Kevin Layman - Golf Competitor
Funeral Service
Service information unavailable.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Aug 1, 1947
Oct 7, 2020
73
Documents