Colonel Orville Gaston Robertson

Colonel Orville Gaston Robertson, 82, died February 13, 2024, at his home in Oxford, MS. Visitation will be held Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home. The funeral will be Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Clear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Robertson and Rev. Charles Lipe officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Batesville, MS.

For friends and family that are unable to attend the service at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, Clear Creek Baptist Church will be live-streaming via their YouTube page at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@CCBCOxford 

Colonel was born on November 3, 1941, in Oxford, MS, to the late Odell Mae Cannon and Orville Russell Robertson. After his father’s passing before his birth, his mother later remarried and he was raised by the late Tracy A. Perkins, who loved him as his own son. He devoted 27 years of his life to service in the military, earning the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force. He served in the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, during his service in the Vietnam War. Colonel’s service was not one of obligation alone, but passion and commitment to protecting the country he loved so much. After completing his service of 27 years in the United States Air Force, he continued his efforts by becoming the Junior ROTC Commander for South Panola High School, a position he held for 17 years. Colonel nurtured his faith and love for Christ through his membership at Clear Creek Baptist Church, fulfilling many roles including Deacon and Sunday school teacher. A graduate of The University of Mississippi, he supported his alma mater through his involvement with the Ole Miss Alumni Association. An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of the Lafayette Cattlemen’s Association, where he previously served as president and was named Cattleman of the Year. He enjoyed working on his farm and shared that love with his family and friends. Colonel was a skilled quail hunter, the season he looked forward to most each year, and enjoyed sharing his talent by acting as a guide at Little Q Ranch.

While the success of his military career, devotion to his students, and community involvements brought great fulfillment to his life, nothing compared to the joy he found in his marriage of 63 years to his wife, Peggie. Throughout their life together, they raised four children, whom Colonel was so proud of. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, who showed up as often as possible to the important milestones in each one’s life. He was preceded in death by his parents; the dad who raised him, Tracy Perkins; and his brother, James C. Perkins.

Colonel is survived by his wife, Peggie Jean McMinn Robertson of Oxford, MS; daughters, Letitia Henson and her husband, Mike, of Deatsville, AL and Tracey Pierce and her husband, Brad, of Batesville, MS; sons, Russell Robertson and his wife, Betty Ann, of Batesville, MS and Christopher Robertson and his wife, Michelle, of Sardis, MS; brother, Jerry G. Perkins of Batesville, MS; as well as 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Colonel’s memory may be made to Shady Grove Cemetery Fund, 1638 Shady Grove Road, Batesville, Mississippi 38606 or to Clear Creek Baptist Church, 46 County Road 313, Oxford, Mississippi 38655.