of Little Rock, AR
February 15, 1953 - June 21, 2023
Robin French Wynne went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 21 of 2023 at UAMS in Little Rock surrounded by his family. Justice Wynne was guided in life by his unwavering faith, love of family and service to others. He was born to the late Thomas Duncan and Margaret West Wynne on February 15, 1953 in Warren, Arkansas.
Justice Wynne is survived by his beloved wife, Margo Sanders Wynne; his four sons and spouses, Robin, Jr. and Ashley Wynne, Christopher and Jessica Wynne, Grant and Ann-Elizabeth Wynne and Hayden Wynne; nine grandchildren, Robin III, Wilson and Beau Wynne; Melina, Everly, Stella and Harlow Wynne, Palmer and Grant Wynne, Jr. He is survived by his siblings, Westy Roark, Tom Wynne, III and Terry Wynne.
Justice Wynne was first elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2014. In November 2022, the people of Arkansas re-elected Justice Wynne for another 8-year term. During his service on the High Court, the Justice supervised the offices of Supervising Justice to Access to Justice, Client Security Fund and Unauthorized Practice of Law. In doing so, he championed the rights of all people to have keys to the courthouse regardless of demographics while also promoting the integrity and non-partisan nature of the judiciary. Justice Wynne commanded an elevated tone and tenor in all of his Supreme Court opinions and refused to engage in partisan rancor. In essence, he was the epitome of a jurist for all jurists. His passion for mentoring and educating the next generation of lawyers led him to become an adjunct professor of law at the University of Arkansas School of Law, UALR Bowen School of Law and Philander Smith College. Furthering his commitment to future lawyers, Justice Wynne would hire law students as his administrative assistants.
In addition to his judicial career, Justice Wynne served on the United Methodists of Arkansas Board of Ordained Ministry. He was a delegate to the United Methodist Church Annual Conference. He was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church where he served on the Finance committee. Justice Wynne was a lay pastor for Redfield United Methodist Church and preached at many other Arkansas Methodist churches.
Justice Wynne grew up in Fordyce, Arkansas. Following his graduation from Fordyce High School, he earned his degree in History from Harvard University in 1975, graduating cum laude. Returning to Arkansas, he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law. He also attended Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology.
Justice Wynne's legal career was grounded in his early work as a partner of the Wynne and Wynne Law Firm, served as Fordyce City Attorney, Prosecuting Attorney for the 13th Judicial District, Dallas County District Judge, Arkansas Court of Appeals District 5 and the Arkansas Supreme Court. He also served two terms as an Arkansas State Representative.
Despite his immense professional accomplishments, Justice Wynne was most proud of his role as husband, father and grandfather. He and Margo, married for forty-three years, shared a life with a focus on family above all else. Justice Wynne, lovingly called ''Big Cat'' by his nine grandchildren, instilled in his children the importance of family and faith. He spent over twenty years of his life coaching Little League and never missed his sons' games. He was immensely proud to be "Big Cat" to his grandchildren, always prioritizing his time with them despite his busy judicial career. He has served as a shining example of what a husband and father should be to his four sons and though his family is heartbroken over his passing they know through his steadfast faith that he is at peace with the Lord.
Justice Wynne's family will host a memorial service on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodists Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205; Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation, 425 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 480, Little Rock, AR 72201 or UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation Fund, 4301 W. Markham Street, #716, Little Rock, AR 72205.
My sincere condolences to all of you. My first memory of Robin was when he was working for my dad at the club during the summers. Margo I remember also when he brought you to the club for the first time. His eyes lite up when he introduced you to my parents (during the Pine Belt 4-ball). He was also proud of his children. Grant and Hunter played on the same team in baseball coached by Robin.
Robin was a special person in my life. Prayers to all of you during this time. Treasure the times and remember all of the good ones and you will never lose sight of your loved one.
My love goes out to you Margo... Celeste
Margo, boys and all of Robin's family, I was saddened by the news of Robin's passing. My thoughts have been of you all these past days. I know I will keep you all in my thoughts in the days ahead. I will always be proud to have called Robin my friend and never could thank him enough for his support while with the parks department. Robin loved you all so much. His legacy is one that will live on in Fordyce and in Arkansas but more important than that, he will live on in his sons and the men they have become. Robin was a good, honorable man.
I was proud to be from Fordyce when Judge Wynne won his bid for justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Sending prayers and sympathy to his family and friends.
So sorry for your loss! Mr. Robin was always so nice to all of us. So many great memories at the Wynne house. Love and prayers to all of you.
Margo and family I was saddened to hear of Robin’s passing. Wish I could be there today at the Memorial but unfortunately cannot. Prayers for comfort, peace and strength now and in the days to come
Denise Langford Abercrombie
I offer my thoughts and prayers for Ms. Margo and the entire Wynne Family. I enjoyed the opportunities I had to talk with Robin from time to time. I had the honor of teaching at least one of his sons as well as many of his nieces and nephews. He was a very supportive parent which I appreciated. We had a moment of silence in his memory at the recent Arkansas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He did a lot of good work for us in various church roles. The Bible speaks of the great cloud of witnesses. I believe Brother Robin is there now. He shall be missed. May the Grace and Love of God surround y'all and help you through this difficult time. Larry Horseman
Robin was a wonderful husband and father. It is really hard to say goodbye to one of my best and dearest friends. Love you forever.
What a privilege it has been for our family to know Justice Wynne and to be personally touch by his life and his enduring faith.
You are already fiercely missed.
May we all fill that place with the love, faith and passion you taught us all.
May your family continue to experience the great fruits of your life here and carry your integrity forward till we meet again.
Much love from,
The Milligan Family
Hershey, PA
So sorry for your loss. We have so many great memories and good times shared with the Wynne family. Sending our love and prayers.
It was my privilege to work with Judge Wynne when he served on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. He was an excellent judge, gave thoughtful consideration to each and every case, and maintained civility towards all. His passing is a great loss to the Arkansas judiciary. My sympathy goes out to his family, his clerks, and staff. May he rest in peace.
Margo and boys, Tom and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers for peace and comfort at this time and the days ahead go out to you and the family. Robin was a good man that loved God and his family deeply. He will be greatly missed. Marion & Ann Nelson
We are so sorry to hear about Robin. You are all in our prayers!
I pray for all of you. Robin was loved and will be greatly missed. He was a great man and lived his life to its fullest. Much love, Joannie Cayce Thornton AR
I am so very sad for you all. Thinking of you with much prayer. Praying for God’s peace and comfort during this sad time, Bless you all. Psalm 23; John 14:1-27; Proverbs 3:5-6
It is odd to think of a legal career without thinking of Robin Wynne and the Wynne family of Fordyce. A mighty oak has fallen. Bill and I send all our best to the Wynne family.
Margo and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Robin was a good person; he will indeed be missed.
Wynne Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have known and worked with Robin and your family for many years. We considered him our friend. Robin was a good public servant to the people of Dallas County and the State of Arkansas.
Margo and family,
Robin was my friend from high school. I grew up in Dumas and played football, basketball, and golf against Fordyce for years. Robin and I enjoyed playing golf together and played as a team several times. I was able to get reacquainted with Robin when he was elected to the Court of Appeals and moved to Little Rock and joined Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. He was such a good person and friend, dad, granddad, judge, and community leader. Ronin will be greatly missed.
Wynne Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have known and worked with Robin and your family for many years. We considered him our friend. Robin was a good public servant to the people of Dallas County and the State of Arkansas.
Margo and Tom:
Sorry for your loss...my prayers are with you and the family!
Dear Margo and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so glad that I got to know you, Robin and family through my time in Fordyce. I know Robin will be truly missed and has left whole in so many hearts, but I do know that he has left a legacy that will remembered. My prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family. Love, Fran.
Great man and a great judge.
Many good memories of the Wynne family when our boys were going up together in Fordyce. May time bring you peace and tranquility. Margo, you and your family are in our prayers.
Our hearts are so sad for your loss. Robin was a great friend and support for our family and community. We will be praying for your family in the days and months ahead. He will be greatly missed.
So many wonderful memories with Robin and his family! Love and prayers for you all!
Margo and family, I grew up with Robin in Fordyce. We were neighbors, and he was the "kid brother" of my classmate and dear friend, Terry. I also got to know him as a friend when we were in our late teens. Even though I didn't have contact with him throughout our adult years, I kept up with his amazing and accomplished life. Those hometown roots are strong, and it all feels like family to me. When I heard the news of his passing, it felt as if I had lost a member of my "Fordyce family". My love and prayers go out to you as you grieve and celebrate the beautiful life you shared with Robin.
Dear Margo & Family,
So sorry for your loss and just want you to know you are in our prayers. My family has such fond memories of Robin through church, coaching our kids in sports and the booster club. Robin set such a good example for the kids and young adults he not only coached but came into contact with.
Prayers for the family. He was a nice man and he has left an amazing legacy.
So Sorry for your loss!! I can just see Robin walking through my alley always friendly stopping and talking to me!! My thoughts and prayers are with you Margo and your family!!!
I can only imagine Mr. Robin’s face when he met Jesus face to face!! What a beautiful picture. Love, thoughts and prayers to the entire Wynne family!!
So sorry to hear the passing of Robin our prayers go out to you margo, boys and family. Prayers
A life totally devoted in service to God, family and humanity. I treasure our visits when he dropped by my office during campaigns.
One of the best men I’ve ever known. RIP Robin and peace for your family.
When I was a child I spent many happy family holidays in Fordyce with Robin and all the other Wynne cousins. Never a dull moment.
Thankful for the times seeing Robin at the Pine Belt from year to year.Prayers for the family,that God will wrap his arms around you and comfort you
My dad and his dad were college and high school referees when I was young! Robin was an outstanding man from the little town of Fordyce! My condolences to his extended family both in Little Rock and Fordyce
will miss Robin proud to be a law school classmate, prosecutor,judge,and friend prayers for his family
When Robin was prosecuting attorney in Calhoun County and had a law office in Hampton my mom worked with him. (Dixie Grim). My twin sister and I were tennis players. He practiced with us all the time and took us to tournaments. He made such an impression on us. He taught us sportsmanship and Christian values. What a mark he left in this world. Prayers for the family.
Justice Wynne was an outstanding judge, and a good man. Arkansas is greatly diminished by his loss. Cheryl and I send our love and prayers for God to bring him home, and for comfort to his loved ones. May God Bless!
God's amazing Servants to God and City.
It was a great honor knowing Justice Wynne. My grandson Antonio Jones worked for him. Family have my deepest condolence and prayers.
Will forever be missed.
JEAN Jones. Fort Smith ,AR.
Margo and family—my prayers are for all of you during the season of sadness, but it is reassuring to know Robin is celebrating with the Heavenly family who were there to welcome him. So many of my Fordyce memories include the Wynne family, and I consider myself blessed to have been a part of experiences that involved you and yours. Robin was a great friend to me and my family even after we left Fordyce. Love, thoughts & prayers sent your way.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. My God give you peace, comfort, and the good and happy memories during this time of sorrow.
Justice Wynne graciously took the time to teach my law schools class in law school. He took the time to send each of us a personal note at the end of class. His care to helping others will live on in those he has helped.
We are so sorry to hear of Robin’s passing. Praying for peace & comfort in the days ahead.
I am heart broken to hear about my friend, Robin Wynne’s death…way too soon. But what a faithful servant he has been on this earth. We can all aspire to follow in his footsteps, whether on the bench, as lawyers or in our family or community life. My prayers are for his family and dear friends that God’s steadfast love will be with them during this time of sadness and grief.
So sorry to receive this news. Feel like we have known your family and the biys forever.. almost became neighbors. God bless you all!
Growing up in Fordyce and going to church with him, he was always so kind and helpful to me. In January of 2019, he asked to swear my son in as an attorney and invited our entire family to his Supreme Court Office. All of my kids were surprised and impressed with his graciousness and time he spent with us showing us around and providing a history. That is the Robin Wynne I have known all my life. Prayers for the family.
Justice Wynne befriended my father when dad was just a janitor at the Justice Building. The two men bonded over shared faith. The justice spoke at my mom's funeral, and during my dad's long last illness the justice visited regularly at my dad's home to share a meal or deliver supplies. Justice Wynne was an outstanding human being. May he rest in eternal peace.
I was real sorry and very shocked to read about Robin passing away. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We sure hated to hear about Robin . He was our youth director at church when I was a kid , he was city attorney when I was an alderman , and he coached our church softballteam for years and we did well and had a lot of fun. I coached Robin jr 2 years and Chris 1 year in baseball. They were good kids and good players . We are praying for all of you .
Margo, the boys, Westy, Tom and Terry, Lynn and I very are sorry for your loss and will be praying for you all! Robbin was a good person he will be missed by so many, but he truly will leave a legacy of great kindness to everyone! Jerry Newton
May God bless you all and give you strength. I am was so sorry to hear about Robin passing. Lots of good memories. Church, Sunday school, get togethers, and softball with Robin at short stop and me at 3rd base. Robin will be greatly missed by so many of us. You all will be in my prayers. Bart
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much your dad meant to you and his legacy lives on through you and your amazing boys. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
The Neel Family
Margo & Family, I am so sorry to see the news of Robin’s passing. I have many fond memories of your family living across the street from us on Meek St. in Fordyce. I remember many afternoons Robin and I would go up to the old middle school gym and play one on one until we were exhausted. We were both competitive and it got very physical at times. We always walked out with a smile on our faces.
Prayers of peace and comfort for you and family during this most difficult time. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
So sorry for your family loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time
Rest in Peace, Robin.
Justice Wynne was a friend and mentor to many up and coming lawyers thru his work as an adjunct professor at Bowen School of Law in Little Rock.
I was fortunate to be in that number of law students who received his training. He was always so kind, friendly, personable, and gracious. He was the epitome of a small town lawyer with a keen sense of simply doing the right thing.
We are all better people and lawyers for having known him. My deepest condolences to his wife, sons, and grandchildren. His passing is a loss for our entire state and judiciary. We all have lost a friend and champion of justice on the Supreme Court of Arkansas.
May the Lord receive you, my friend.
All my respect,
Zach Morrison
Margo and family, So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Condolences and prayers for the Wynne family. David and Holly Parham
Robin was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies to his family.