Dan Robbins honored with retirement reception

Friends, family, co-workers and customers were on hand Friday, Dec. 29, to wish Dan Robbins well in his retirement and thank him for his years of service to Manila and the surrounding area.

Robbins has served as president of the Manila Southern Bancorp for the last 17 years of his 35 year banking career.

Robbins was treated to a special luncheon, received gifts and lots of well wishes.

Family members were on hand for Dan Robbins retirement reception.

Staff members filled out "retirement wishes and suggestions" forms to share with Robbins.

Robbins is a native of Manila graduating from MHS in 1964. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University in 1968 and a masters in business administration from Delta State University in 1980.

He worked in the Retail Store Division of Good Year Tire and Rubber Co. for 14 years starting in 1968. The family moved nine times in 14 years living in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.

He and his family returned to Manila in May of 1982 where he joined the family owned Merchants and Planters Bank.

“I have always felt like getting hired at M&P Bank was in God's plan for me and my family,” Robbins said. “There were three applicants and I had the least amount of banking experience, but they chose me.”

M&P Bank was acquired by 1st National Bank of Blytheville in 1999 and by Southern Bancorp in 2008. Robbins said he has worked with and for great people throughout the years.

“It is a dream come true to be able to be a community banker in your hometown,” Robbins said. “I have had the unique opportunity to serve three generations. Some of the children of my first customers when I came to the bank became my customers, and now I have had the privilege of serving their grandchildren. It has been rewarding. God has blessed me beyond measure to be a personal banker.”

Robbins built his career on treating people the way he would want to be treated and has made many friends along the way.

Robbins commended his co-workers at the Manila branches.

“I have a great team of ladies who do a good job here,” he said. “I've had excellent bosses throughout the years.”

As Robbins starts on his new journey of life, he wants to thank the community for their 35 years of support.

“It has been a privilege to serve each and every one of my customers,” he said. “It has been a true joy to be their banker.”

Robbins has been married to the former Pat Shaver for 51 years. They have two grown children, Beth and Matthew.

Beth is married to Petey Jolliff and they live in Manila. They have two children, Abbie, a student at ANC, and Garrett, a senior at Manila High School.

Matthew and his wife Brandy live in Paragould and have one son, Jack.

Robbins plans to continue being part of the community. He has served on the Manila School Board for nine years. He is also a 35 year member of the Lions Club. He serves on the board of Manila Industries, Moving Manila Forward and the Cemetery Board.

He enjoys running and has run in marathons but plans to stay with the 5Ks. One of his favorite memories was running with his grandson in a 5K to benefit the Butterfly House.