Major Robb Dean Rounsavall, 62, of Blytheville, Chief Deputy for the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, ended his watch on Sunday, April 27, 2025, surrounded by family at St. Francis Hospital in Bartlett, Tennessee, following a brief illness.

Robb was a lifelong resident of Blytheville, a 1981 graduate of Blytheville High School, and a 1996 graduate of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden.

After high school, he worked at Federal Compress and Dell Compress before answering a calling to public service, joining the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) in 1994. Over the next thirty-one years, serving under three administrations, he rose steadily through the ranks, advancing from jailer to his final position as major. In 2019, he was appointed Chief Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Dale Cook.

Robb served with distinction in various roles with MCSO: as a jailer (1994–1995); patrol deputy/patrol sergeant (1995–1999); investigator, lieutenant, commander, and special agent in charge of the 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force (1999–2011); captain of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) (2011–2019); and finally, as major and Chief Deputy Sheriff (2019–2025).

Respected as a firm but compassionate officer, Robb was guided by a deep sense of mercy and justice. He possessed a true servant’s heart, demonstrated daily through his unwavering commitment to the public he served.

Towering at six feet, nine inches tall, Robb’s physical stature, which earned him the affectionate nickname of “Lurch,” was matched only by the size of his heart. Though he presented an imposing figure, his warm smile and infectious laugh revealed the gentle giant within.

Dedicated to law enforcement and community service, Robb was an active member of the Arkansas Narcotics Officers Association, where he served in every leadership role on the executive board, including president, vice president, sergeant-at-arms, and board member. He was most recently serving as secretary-treasurer. Additionally, in 2022, he was elected by the citizens of Chickasawba Township in Mississippi County to serve as their constable.

Robb proudly wore the MCSO badge and tirelessly raised funds for department programs. He cherished every opportunity to engage with the public and was a consummate representative of the sheriffs he faithfully served.

Beyond his professional life, Robb found great joy in farming with Crosskno Farms and spending cherished time with his family, particularly socializing with his cousins. He was also an active member of the Mississippi County Republican Committee and an avid supporter of the Blytheville Chickasaws and the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

Robb was preceded in death by his grandparents, Guy and Blanche Rounsavall; grandparents, John T. and Huleth House; grandmother, Jewell House; and a brother, Michael Maddox.

Robb is survived by his wife, Melissa Rounsavall, of the home; his parents, Danny and Carol Rounsavall of West Memphis; his mother, Jo Coon, and her husband, Leslie, of Metairie, Louisiana; two daughters, Diana Richardson (Matt) of Blytheville, and Christy Elliott (Justin) of Brandon, Mississippi; five grandchildren, Colton Averett, Kenzie Averett, Bailee Elliott, Jase Elliott, and Jaxon Elliott; four brothers, Mark Rounsavall (Tonia) of Blytheville, Gary Maddox (Tiffany) of Carrollton, Georgia, Terry Maddox of Hot Springs, and Brian Maddox (Brandie) of West Memphis; a sister, Jane King of Blytheville; a special cousin, Tommy Jones; two special friends and brothers in blue, Mark Dixon and Wes Baxter; his beloved dog, Blue, and his cat, Tigger; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom held a special place in Robb’s heart.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Pathway Ministries, 4541 E. Main St., Blytheville, with Rev. Fred Wright officiating. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of Cobb Funeral Home.

Full law enforcement honors will be rendered by members of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Honor Guard and the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard.

Pallbearers include Mark Rounsavall, Brian Maddox, Gary Maddox, Terry Maddox, Zac Maddox, Wes Baxter, Chris Griggs, and Preston Williams.

Honorary pallbearers include Sheriff Dale Cook and the men and women of the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department, Mark Dixon, Seth Rounsavall, Artur Wierzbicki, Riley Maddox, all brothers and sisters in Blue, and Judges Ralph Wilson Jr, Dan Ritchey, Scott Ellington, Tonya Alexander, and Catherine Dean.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mended Paws Animal Sanctuary (c/o Rick and Connie Ash, 137 Randall Rd., Blytheville, Arkansas, 72315), the Arkansas Narcotics Officers Association (P.O. Box 777, Blytheville, Arkansas, 72315), or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.