Robert Lowell Plumlee, 87, of DeBerry, Texas, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, May 8, 2019, at his home in DeBerry. He was born on Nov. 25, 1931, in Clarendon, Monroe County, Arkansas to the late William Marshall and Marie Mavity Plumlee. He was raised in Clarendon and graduated from high school in Holly Grove, Arkansas. He later earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Business Management and a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Plumlee joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and retired as Chief Master Sergeant at the age of 37. He married Alma Gene Peterson on January 4, 1974, in Idabel, Oklahoma and she preceded him in death on September 22, 2009. His second career was in manufacturing where he excelled in management of plants in the manufacturing of elevators, railcars, LPG tanks, and heavy off-road dump trucks. His next career was in welding and mechanical inspection in nuclear power plants, oil and chemical plants, and as an Engineer with the Army Corp of Engineers. He retired in 1992, due to health concerns. Robert had many diverse interests. He was a licensed pilot and flew airplanes for the joy of flying. He completed the Commercial Pilot's Course just to be a better pilot. He enjoyed art and music with a love of country music. His hobbies were flying, golf, hunting and fishing. His main interest in later years was bass fishing. He was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan-win or lose! The joy of his life was Victor Alan Gray, whom he raised from birth. Mr. Plumlee moved to DeBerry in 1994, from Alaska and was a member of DeBerry Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star. He was preceded in death by siblings, William Plumlee, Marshall Plumlee, Patricia Mayo, and Shirley Bruce.

Survivors include his children, Robert Glen Plumlee and wife Jocelyn of North Carolina and Margaret Lynn Palmer of Florida; step-sons, Craig Richard Gray and wife Caren of Tenaha, Mark Gray and wife Janie of Houma, LA, and Bryan Keith Gray of DeBerry; grandchildren, Leigh Ramirez, Ryan Ramirez, Paige Plumlee, Blair Lobacz and son Lucas, Glen Philip Lobacz, Derik Gray, Victor Gray, Atigun Plumlee, and Madlyn Plumlee; and siblings, Kenneth Jerome Plumlee and wife Carol and Connie Maxine Johnson.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2019, at DeBerry Cemetery with Rev. Eric Wilburn officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Monday at DeBerry Baptist Church Fellowship Hall prior to the graveside service.

Pallbearers are Mark Gray, Craig Gray, Bryan Gray, Glen Plumlee, Victor Gray, and Derik Gray.

Memorials may be made to DeBerry Baptist Church, P.O. Box 422, DeBerry, TX 75639.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.