Robert Ligon Usrey

Robert Ligon Usrey passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on January 22, 1962, in Tyler, Texas, Robert was the son of Clara Lucy Ligon Usrey of Goldthwaite, Texas, and the late Robert Wise Usrey. He graduated from Midland Lee High School in Midland, Texas, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. From an early age, Robert developed a love of history and learning. Family vacations often included visits to historic sites, museums, and landmarks across the country, experiences that sparked an interest that stayed with him throughout his life. He was an avid reader with a deep knowledge of history, science, engineering, and the people and events that shaped the world. Robert spent the first part of his career working in the Austin State Hospital system, where he spent ten years teaching life skills to mentally ill patients to help prepare them to live more independently. In 1998, he began a second career as an offshore production operator in the Gulf of Mexico, where he worked until 2015. He loved being "on the Salt," as he called it, and often described offshore work as mostly “MacGyver work,” relying on creativity and practical problem-solving to keep things running. Those years remained some of his favorite stories to tell. In 2007, Robert married Melinda Lejeune. Together they shared a love of history, restoration projects, and the search for forgotten treasures. Robert's interest in history naturally led him to become a collector and restorer of Americana. He enjoyed finding and restoring vintage gas pumps, soda machines, and other relics of the past. He was especially interested in firearm history and vintage restoration projects. One of Robert’s favorite projects was Tallulah Belle, a vintage travel trailer that he carefully restored over several years. He enjoyed working with his hands, solving mechanical problems, and preserving pieces of history for future generations. Robert is survived by his wife, Melinda Usrey; his son, Tyler Usrey of Denton, Texas; his mother, Clara Lucy Ligon Usrey of Goldthwaite, Texas; his brother, Stuart Usrey and wife Melissa of Dallas, Georgia; his nephews, Grayson and Reid; and his niece, Avery. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Wise Usrey. A private service will be held at the home of Robert and Melinda Usrey on June 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The family would like to thank Dr. Jerry Miles and his staff, Doctor’s Choice Home Health in Lufkin, and Gentiva Hospice in Livingston for the care and support they provided. Robert will be remembered for his curiosity, his sense of humor, his love of history, and his willingness to share his knowledge with others. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.