Paul Jake Robbins

Paul Jake Robbins, age 86 of Manila, prominent area businessman, entered eternity on May 17, 2011. Born Aug. 20, 1924, at Timms Point, near Manila, he was the son of the late Bertie L. and Josephine Rice Robbins and was a lifelong area resident. Paul attended school in the Skidway community, and in the first grade, served the school as janitor for fity cents a week. He often recalled how his salary was raised to 75 cents a week when a room was added to the school building. At the end of the school day Paul would work the fields or "peddle" fish to help his family buy groceries. At age ten, he was given his first real job, working for a local merchant for fifteen dollars a month, thus beginning his long career in business. Mr. Robbins devoted his entire life to Manila, as a local business owner, auctioneer, and realtor.

He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Manila, was active in the Arkansas Auctioneers Association, and was a committed supporter of Ducks Unlimited. In 1953 he joined the Manila Masonic Lodge and was later honored with a fifty year pin. The only thing that brought Paul more joy than serving his community was the love he had for his family.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mazie Shedd Robbins, one daughter, Paulette Smith, a grandson, Paul Jack Wagner, one brother, Curtis Robbins, and a sister, Peggy Russell.

He is survived by three daughters, Robin Baugher and her husband, Gary of Manila Danna Glass and husband, Byron of Sherwood, Ark., Ann Kelley of Dallas, Texas; a son-in-law, James Smith of Texarkana; two sisters, Macy Williams of Paragould and Myrtle Foxx of Florida. He also leaves 10 grandchildren; Michael Wagner and Andy of Monticello, Jamie White of Bauxite, J. P. Baugher and Christie of Manila, Nicole Evers and Jason of Manila, Lydia Loveless, Paul Ballard and Phoebe Glass, all of Little Rock, Kelly Ann Kelley, David Kelly, and Robert Kelley of Dallas, 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a very special nephew, Danny Robbins of Manila.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 20, at the First Baptist Church in Manila with Rev. Ferell Duffel and Rev. William Piercy officiating. Burial will follow in Manila Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Thursday evening from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila. Pallbearers will be Wayne Shedd, Joey Robbins, James Miller, Jeremy Gamble, Bob Walton, and Frank Byrd. Honorary pallbearers will include Jimmy Baugher and Jack Wagner.

The family prefers any memorials sent be made to the First Baptist Church in Manila. Friends may sign the guest register HowardFuneralService.com.