Roll Call Tribute

Ronald Lee "Ron" Robbins 

October 27, 1933 - February 25, 2025 

Ronald "Ron" Robbins, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected leader in both athletics and business, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1933, Ronald and his twin brother, Donald, were raised alongside their older brother, Cooper Jr., in a household where football was more than a game—it was a way of life. Their father, Cooper Robbins Sr., a career Texas high school football coach and proud Texas A&M alumnus, instilled in his sons a passion for the sport that would shape their lives.

Ronald and his brothers played under their father's leadership at Breckenridge High School, where they contributed to the 1951 Texas 3A State Championship football team. Their talent and dedication earned all three brothers football scholarships to Texas A&M, where their father also served as an assistant coach. At Texas A&M, Ronald became one of the legendary "Junction Boys" of 1954, enduring grueling training under Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. His senior year was marked by triumph when Texas A&M secured the 1956 Southwest Conference Championship, including a historic victory over the University of Texas in Austin.

After graduating, Ronald transitioned from player to mentor, coaching football and track while teaching history at several Texas high schools. His love for the game was matched only by his passion for shaping young lives. Eventually, Ronald shifted to the corporate world, excelling in sales and management. He built a distinguished 31-year career with Becton-Dickinson Consumer Products as a Regional Manager, earning top sales and leadership awards every year.

For 66 years, Ronald shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Mary Sue Wilson Robbins. He was a man of many talents and interests—an accomplished square dancer who brought joy to family gatherings, a dedicated student of American history who read every plaque at every museum, and a meticulous gardener whose yard was frequently honored with “Yard of the Month” accolades. A devoted youth mentor, he served in the YMCA’s Indian Guides, Boy Scouts of America, youth football coaching, and Sunday school teaching. He was also a proud member of Gideons International, Henderson Hills Baptist Church, the NRA, and the Edmond Citizens Police Academy.

In retirement, Ronald found fulfillment in new pursuits, including working with Crawford Funeral Home in its early days. He and Mary Sue traveled extensively, exploring Israel, the pyramids, the Greek islands, and Roman ruins. He also supported Mary Sue’s art career by using his woodworking skills to create custom frames and booths for her art shows. Family remained at the heart of his life, and he and Mary Sue cherished attending their grandchildren’s sporting events, recitals, plays, and birthday celebrations.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Cooper Robbins Sr. and Elizabeth Nabors Robbins, his older brother Cooper Robbins Jr., and his twin brother Donald. He is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Robbins of Claremore, Oklahoma; daughter Nancy Bethea (Samuel Bethea) of Claremore, Oklahoma; daughter Barbara Rodriguez (David Rodriguez) of Claremore, Oklahoma; and son Scott Robbins (Kindra Robbins) of Spring Hill, Kansas. He will also be missed by his six grandchildren, Emily Johnson (Evan), Isaac Bethea (Katie), Erin Haugh (David), Patrick Bethea (fiancé Lauren), Shelby Swafford (Dylan), and Chad Robbins (Shelli); two step-grandchildren, Brock Rodriguez (Brandy) and Mikaela Buscher (Brandon); his great-grandchildren, Alice, Brooks, Elaina, Daniel, Gabriel, Parker, Presley, Dylan Jr., Korbyn, Kolbie and another expected in March, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronald’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, deep faith, and boundless love for his family and community. He will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

A graveside committal service will be at 10:00am on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A service celebrating his life will be at 12:00pm on Saturday, March 8th at Crawford Family Funeral Service, Edmond, OK.