Robert K. O'Reilly

He was preceded in death by his Dad, Robert K. O’Reilly, Sr. (Cotton Farmer extraordinaire), and his Mother, Pauline B. O’Reilly. In addition, he was also preceded in death by his Aunts, Naomi O’Reilly Spivey and Ruth O’Reilly. His Family was lifetime residents of Cruger, MS.

He is survived by his wife, Anita B. O’Reilly, his cousin, Bobby H. Spivey (Betsy), of Cruger, Mississippi and his lifelong friend (“brother”) of 68 years, Chris Lehman (Kaye), of Marion, Arkansas.

He was born in Greenwood, Mississippi to Robert K. O’Reilly, Sr. and Pauline B. O’Reilly on June 18, 1951.

While growing up, he was a resident of Cruger, MS. The beauty of a small town like Cruger was that it required all of the kids in town, ages 6-16, get together to field a pick-up football team. This made for lasting friendships.

Robin graduated from Cruger-Tchula Academy where he excelled in sports, especially football. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi in 1973. Everyone who met Robin knew the University of Mississippi was more than a University where he obtained a degree. He had a passion for the Rebels Football Team (understatement and a challenge for his Wife who is a Georgia Bulldog fan). However, he loved the Rebels baseball team as well. He listened/watched the entire Ole Miss 2022 season culminating in the NCAA Baseball Championship win. Go Rebels!

Robin‘s hobbies were varied over his exceptional life. He enjoyed playing tennis, white water rafting and camping (unless Chris brought the charcoal-3 briquettes), travel, and, if Anita insisted, hiking,

It is difficult to capture all of Robin’s special qualities in such a short space. Those who knew him well appreciated his quick wit, positive spirit, and his generous and loving nature. He personified a true “southern gentleman“.

Robin was a lifelong Dodgers fan. He always dreamed of receiving a call to work in Player/Personnel for the organization. Sadly, he never received the call. However, this was a true Blessing for the insurance industry. Robin enjoyed a very successful and varied career in the insurance industry for 44 years. His true joy in his profession was his employees, other branch management team members and the fabulous Independent Agents he had the privilege of working with and whom he considered personal friends.

There will be a Memorial Service/Celebration of Life at a later date. In honor of Robin, he would love nothing more than to have donations made to his beloved University of Mississippi. Checks can be made payable to the University of Mississippi Foundation, in memory of Robin, and mailed to

406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655. Please specify the STEM program for the usage of the donation. Online donations can be made via the website umfoundation.com. Click on the Give Now button. Select Memorials Fund (00635) and please reference Robin O’Reilly and the STEM program.

In closing, one of the most telling stories was one he shared with his Wife early in their marriage. When he was 9 years old, he prayed to God. He did not pray for a bike, football, any other toys or possessions. He prayed for Wisdom. This was the essence of the man I was Blessed to have been married to for 42 1/2 years. It was evident to everyone who knew us that we were best friends and soulmates.

Robin will be missed greatly by all the friends and family members whose lives he touched. He went Home to Heaven far too soon and the world is far less bright with his passing.