Mr. Robert Taylor Griffin of Newark, Arkansas, departed this life on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the age of 70. He was born on August 29, 1954, in Newport, the son of Frank and Lavada (Crawford) Griffin.
Mr. Griffin graduated from Newark High School. After high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Lyon College in Batesville. On May 2, 1975, he married the love of his life, Miss Gayla Nauman. Together, they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, working side by side to build a life and raise their daughter, Natalie.
Mr. Griffin was a row crop farmer and cattle producer for many years, and he owned and operated Griffin Seed and Grain Company. He devoted countless hours to coaching children in peewee basketball, summer softball, and high school softball. His commitment to improving education was evident during his three terms of service on the Newark/Cedar Ridge School Board.
Driven by his desire to serve Independence County, Mr. Griffin ran for the position of Independence County Judge. He was elected to five consecutive terms and served the county for a total of twelve years. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to the county’s growth and prosperity.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing Texas Hold’em, hunting, and playfully irritating those he cared about and loved. He especially loved his family and cherished the time they spent together.
Mr. Griffin was a devoted and active member of the Newark First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Frankie Griffin; and his parents.
Mr. Griffin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gayla (Nauman) Griffin of the home; one daughter, Natalie Allison Davenport and husband, Cale of Roland, Arkansas; one grandson, Townes Davenport of Roland; one sister, Anne Moore and husband, Jack of Newark; his mother-in-law, Billie (Wyatt) Miller and husband, Stanley of Newark; brother-in-law, Fred Nauman and wife, Debbie of Horseshoe Bend; sister-in-law, Sarah Luther and husband, Rodney of Mountain View; his nieces and nephews, Angele Sinele, Frankie M. Griffin, Bradley Griffin, Rodney Griffin, David Moore, Joel Moore, Jon Moore; many great-nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Maple Springs Baptist Church, with Bro. Bill Goodwin officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark. Visitation will be on Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to service time at Maple Springs Baptist Church.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are David Moore, Joel Moore, Rodney Griffin, Brad Griffin, Frankie Griffin, Cale Davenport, Tyler Batson, and Shawn Sinele. Employees of the Independence County Road Department will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Eugene Kwon and the staff at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for their compassionate care.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741, or online at donate.cancer.org.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newark Funeral Home.
