Robbie Rollins

Robert "Robbie" Rollins, 48, of Cape Girardeau was called to his heavenly father Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009.

Robbie was born Jan. 1, 1961, in San Diego to Paul and Nora Koury Rollins. The family moved to Missouri in 1963. His love and passion for trucks started as a young man.

At the age of 12 he began working at Wyatt Junction and Small's LP Gas. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1979, where he was a member of the football and track teams.

After high school Robbie worked at Sam Tanksley Trucking to pay for his college. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1983 with a bachelor of science in business administration. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Robbie married his high school sweetheart, Judi Chapman, in 1985.

Robbie continued his work at Sam Tanksley Trucking, working in every department to learn the business until its closing. At that time he purchased four trucks and continued in the trucking business by leasing them through Edwards Transportation, until beginning his own company, Delta Express Inc. in 1992. The business grew from four trucks to over 80 in a short time. The company currently employs more than 150 people. Robbie's employees describe him as not just a boss, he was a true friend. He didn't give up on anyone. Many employees from other countries got a start with Robbie in the United States.

Robbie was an active member of many organizations, including Cape Central Booster Club (president), Airport Board and Air Show Committee (chairman) and Missouri Motor Carriers Association (director). He had served as a deacon at First Baptist Church and currently was a member at Lynwood Baptist Church.

Among all of his achievements, Robbie's greatest pride was his family. He was always in attendance at any function his girls were a part of, with his video camera and flowers in hand for his beautiful girls.

Robbie most of all loved his wife and daughters. He had a passion for life, his trucking business and flying.

Survivors include his parents of Charleston, Mo.; wife, Judi; daughters, Rebecca, Katherine and Caroline, all of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Paul (Larry) Rollins and wife Jessica of Conroe, Texas; sisters Sophie Dugan and husband Clark of Charleston, Michelle Tandy and husband Paul of Grover, Mo.

Also his father and mother-in-law, Jack and Barbara Chapman of Charleston; brothers-in-law, Bruce (Marilyn) Chapman of East Prairie, Mo., Brice (Michelle) Chapman of Ava, Ill.; godsons, Hunter Dugan and Tucker Tandy; special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Cape County Memorial Park.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Cape Central High School Booster Club, Airport Board or Lynwood Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.