Lt. Col. Robert Dillard Whittington III

A graveside service for Lt. Col. Robert Dillard Whittington III, 85, will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rocky Mount Cemetery, Rocky Mount Cemetery Rd., Rocky Mount, Louisiana, 71064. Officiating the service will be Reverend Les Colley.

Robert was born on July 21, 1940, to Dr. Robert Dillard Whittington, Jr., and Ada Mae Compton Whittington in Shreveport, Louisiana, and passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Texarkana, Texas.

Robert graduated from Bossier High School in 1958 and went on to earn his degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University in 1962. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. A decorated veteran, Robert served his country in the Vietnam War in 1964 and again in 1970. Throughout his military career, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. In 1982, after 20 years of honorable service, he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Robert had a passion for collecting guns that began at the age of 14. Known as “Bob” among his fellow collectors, he became a respected scholar in the history of firearms. He spent countless hours researching, documenting, and uncovering new discoveries in the field. A published author of four volumes on German pistols and holsters, his work remains a trusted reference for collectors around the world. He also authored a book on the Colt Whitneyville Walker Pistol, as well as numerous publications and articles on specific firearms. The gun‑collecting community has lost a remarkable mind, one whose depth of knowledge could never be fully captured on paper.

An avid reader, Robert possessed an extraordinary knowledge of military and world history, with an unmatched ability to recall details and dates. There was never a question on those subjects that he could not answer. Robert leaves behind a legacy in both family and friends. Simple in his way of living but rich in knowledge, he was a man whose impact will be felt for generations.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert Dillard Whittington, Jr., and Ada Mae Compton Whittington; brother, Joseph Compton Whittington; sisters, Anna Louise Fricks and Josephine Dett Freeman; brother-in-law, John Nelson Fricks, Jr.; grandson, Aaron Scott Williamson; and stepdaughter, Carla Green.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 53 years, Dorothy Perkins Whittington of Hooks, Texas; son, Robert Dillard Whittington IV and wife Melinda of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughters, Sarah Elizabeth Williamson and husband Paul of Amarillo, Texas, Anna Michelle Bivens and husband Richard of Swainsboro, Georgia, and Jodett McCranie Davis of Ivan, Louisiana; stepson, David Green of Texarkana, Arkansas; 14 grandchildren, Bradley Williamson and wife Cathleen, Alyssa Thompson and husband Therron, Candice Bivens, Briana Bivens and fiancé Adam Lassila, Preston Bivens, James Davis II, Alexander Davis and wife Emily, John Davis, Joseph Davis, Anna Davis, Robert Whittington V, Jessica Solis and husband Ross, Kenton Whittington and wife Stephanie, Kolson Whittington and wife Sydney. He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren: Braeden Williamson, Kynzleigh Williamson, Benjamin Williamson, Ellie Williamson, Raeleigh Williamson, Anneliese Lassila, JohnMark Davis, Robert Whittington VI, Camden Whittington, Dakota Whittington, Savannah Whittington, Paxton Solis, Calum Solis, and Navy Whittington; nieces, Traci Creamer and Jennifer Whittington.

Honoring Robert as pallbearers will be the United States Military Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you please contribute to the charity of your choosing.