Edgar J. "E.J." Robison

Edgar J. “E.J.” Robison was born in his family home in Batesville, Mississippi on May 11, 1933, and passed peacefully at his home November 1, 2025.

Funeral services for E.J. will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church with the interment to follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Church.

As a young man, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, earning the rank of corporal. During his time in service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal in Germany, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge, he continued his service through the National Guard.

E.J. was a skilled contractor who took great pride in his work. He believed every home he built should reflect his strong work ethic and attention to detail. Whether pouring a foundation or finishing the trim, he gave his all to every project and expected the same dedication from those who worked alongside him. His craftsmanship and reputation for quality left their mark across Panola County—not just in the sturdy, beautiful homes he built, but in the friendships he formed with homeowners and fellow builders. After retiring, the greatest compliment he could provide another builder was a nod of his head and a dry “good job.”

When he wasn’t working, E.J. could often be found tending to his cows, cutting hay, or riding his John Deere. He loved being outdoors and took joy in the simple pleasures of farm life. A lifelong member of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, he lived out his faith daily by helping his family, his neighbors in the Bynum community, and his church family. His generosity and servant’s heart were always accompanied by a wit as sharp as the saws he used and a straightforward honesty that made him both respected and loved.

Children adored him; whether they knew him as Papa, Papa J., or Uncle E.J., they were always drawn to his playful spirit. He was known for his jokes, his wrestling matches with the kids, and his willingness to share a nap on the couch. On those rare occasions when he took time to rest, you’d likely find him in his favorite spot reading The Tradewinds or Progressive Farmer.

In later years, as his body grew weaker, E.J.’s faith grew stronger. Though it was hard for him to set aside the work he loved, he found peace in the promise of Heaven and in his deep love for Jesus. During his lifetime, E.J. built many rooms for others to enjoy, including his own home. Now, he is experiencing his new home in Heaven through his salvation through Jesus Christ. In John 14, Jesus told his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

E.J. was preceded in death by his parents Julius Walter “Dick” and Louise McKee Robison, his brother Don Robison, and his sister Jean Robison Denham.

E.J. is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Laura Herron Robison; his children, Debbie Prestage (Terry “Dago”), Randy Robison (Vicki), Lori Horne (Kevin), Chris Robison (Trina), Paige York (Joseph); his sister, Martha Lou McCullar; and 41 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church Building Fund, 470 Pilgrims Rest Rd. Batesville, MS 38606.