Hubert Rhay Robinson, 89, of Burnsville, MS, passed away Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Carrington House in Iuka, MS. He was born September 3, 1928 in Calhoun City, MS, the ninth of ten children born to Ollie Mae Epperson Robinson and Maschiel E. Robinson. Hubert Rhay attended school in Burnsville and graduated from Burnsville High School in 1947 where he was president of his senior class. Hubert graduated from Millsaps College with a Bachelor of Arts. He entered the United States Navy during the Korean War, was sent to San Diego for boot camp, and spent most of the next four years in Norfolk, VA. Hubert Rhay returned to Burnsville where he taught school for the next 32 years. Being very talented, he taught French, math, music, directed school plays, announced football games, and kept basketball stats. As an accomplished pianist/organist, he played for graduations, weddings, funerals, church services along with civic events. He was a caregiver for his brother, his mother and later a sister as well as helping others.
Hubert was a member of the Burnsville Methodist Church where he proudly opened the services with special music as long as he was able. Hubert was Teacher of the Year in 1979-1980 and was the first person to be chosen as Burnsville Citizen of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce. The new gymnasium at Burnsville school was named in his honor. He bragged that though he was a bachelor, he was still looking. In recent years, Hubert enjoyed shopping at Walmart, eating at Cracker Barrel and making people smile.
Hubert was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Richard LaFayette Robinson, Sr., William David Robinson, James Rex Robinson, and Mary Robinson Ligon Mayfield; four infant brothers; two nephews, Alan Ray Ligon and Jimmy Lee Robinson; and a niece, Nancy Robinson Steele. He is survived by his sister, Mackie Robinson Marlar; four nephews Richard LaFayette Robinson, Jr. (Peggy), William R. Robinson (Debra), Jerry LaFayette Marlar (Ginger), and Terry Lavon Marlar (Claudia); and six nieces Peggy Robinson Goodlett (David), Martha Robinson Savell (James), Kathy Robinson Myers (Joseph), Celia Marlar Raines (Lynn), Lynda Sha Marlar, and Susan Ligon Roberts. He is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, and a multitude of friends and former students.
His family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the friendship and loving care given Hubert Rhay by everyone at Carrington House along with his doctors, nurses, and Legacy Hospice during his recent illness.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, at Burnsville Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Ron Thomas. Visitation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church on Wednesday. As requested by Hubert, there will be a celebration of music. Interment will follow in the Robinson plot at the Burnsville Cemetery. Pallbearers include Richard L. Robinson, Jr., William R. Robinson, David V. Goodlett, Dusty Robinson, Roger Epperson, and Lynn Raines. Honorary pallbearers include Victor White, Alvia Blakney, Tom Hamm and Charles Benick, Bryan Barnes, and Charles Skinner. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. An online guest book may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Memphis in memory of Hubert and his love of children.
