Ralph E. “Scotty” Robb

March 13, 2004

 

Ralph E. (Scotty) Robb, United States Air Force Lt. Col. (Retired), died surrounded by family in his Edgemont, Arkansas home on March 13, 2004.

Scotty was born January 22, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois, to Ralph E. Robb, Sr. and Belle (Monsen) Robb. He was preceded in death by both his parents and brother, Don Robb.

He enlisted in the service at 18 and within seven years reached the rank of M/Sgt. at a remarkably young age of 25. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. out of Officer Candidate School and went on to Pilot Training. Among numerous other planes, he first piloted the C-119. He specialized in the C-130 aircraft, actually starting as a test pilot for the new experimental C-130 in the 1950’s.

He advanced to Base Maintenance Officer for C-130’s at Sewart AFB, Tennessee.

He was the Director of Secret Military Missions at Naha AFB, Okinawa; supported the Astronaut Program at Patrick AFB, Florida, flying pontoon equipped C-130s; flew low-level AC-130 Gunship missions in Southeast Asia during the Viet Nam War, and later he served at

Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, flying specially equipped ski C-130Ds designed for ice landings. He had 29 years of honorable military service, earning numerous special awards ­ the most prominent being the Distinguished Flying Cross, before retiring at Little Rock AFB in 1974.

A second career in real estate, starting in sales at Fairfield Bay led to his becoming a real estate broker in the town of Greer’s Ferry.

He was active in many community services including the Optimist Club and Special Olympics. His interests included first and foremost his family, woodworking, photography and an intense passion for golf.

He's survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue of Edgemont; three children - sons Michael of Dallas, Texas, Steven and his wife Kay of Lawrenceville, Georgia and daughter Kristin Jones and her husband Ken of Little Rock; five grandchildren ­ Jay and Laurie Robb, Josh Fitch, Ryan and Robyn Jones; two great grandsons; his brother John Robb and wife Nancy of Fruita, Colorado; a host of dear cousins; and an extended family of literally hundreds of long-term friends spread world wide.

He was a member of Holiday Hills United Methodist Church in Greers Ferry. A Memorial Service will be held there on Thursday, March 18th at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his church or Hospice Health Care At Home c/o Cleburne County Health Dept., Heber Springs AR 72543.

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Scotty was a terrific pilot and a true pioneer of the C-130 Hercules. Scotty made many contributions to the improvement of the C-130s that are flying today.

Our condolences are extended to Scotty's family at this very difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. May Scotty rest in Peace.

If you would like to send a card, the address is:

The Robb Family
99 Stanfield Rd.
Edgemont AR 72044

An e-mail address for your condolences is: kraftikris@comcast.net

 

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