Reverend Dr. Travis C. Robinson, Sr. was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he received his elementary education. After graduating from high school in 1962, he enlisted in the United States Army at the age of seventeen, training as an Airborne Advanced Infantry Soldier. His military service allowed him to travel extensively, including an eighteen-month tour in Panama. In 1967, he was recalled to the United States and trained for combat duty in Phan Rang, Vietnam, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged after six years of service.

Upon returning to Arkansas in 1968, Reverend Robinson earned an Associate of Arts from Shorter Junior College in 1970 and a Bachelor of Arts from Philander Smith College in 1972. During this time, he accepted the call to ministry and was ordained an Elder in Full Connection in 1972, pastoring several C.M.E. churches in Arkansas.

After graduating from Philander Smith, he attended the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA, and earned a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary in 1978. That same year, he was endorsed to serve as an Air Force Chaplain, providing spiritual support to military families across eleven states and four countries on five continents. In 1995, he received a Doctorate in Ministry from Carolina University of Theology, and throughout his life, he moved thirty-two times, reflecting his commitment to service.

Reverend Robinson retired from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished 28-year military career. In August 1998, he became the pastor of Greenwood C.M.E. Church, where he served for an impressive thirteen years—the longest tenure in the church's history—before retiring from itinerant ministry on July 26, 2011. He continued to serve in ministry at Winrow Saint Paul from 2014 to 2019 and Martin Memorial Temple during the 2021-2022 church year.

Throughout his life, Reverend Robinson received numerous civic and military awards, including the “Outstanding African American Alumni Award” from Memphis Theological Seminary, recognition as the First Episcopal District Pastor of the Year, and multiple keys to the City of Memphis. He was also the most decorated black Chaplain during his active duty, receiving the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and numerous other medals.

An avid motorcyclist and Senior Olympic swimmer, Reverend Robinson was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Mary, a retired educator who was honored as Teacher of the Year by Shelby County.

He is survived by four children: Travis Clayborn Robinson, Jr. (Lil) of Memphis, TN; Teri Lynnette Jones (Chester Leon) of Rowlett, TX; Tagos Cantrell Robinson of Rockwall, TX; and Tiffany JoHunter Robinson of Memphis, TN. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Brandon Moses (Kyla) of Memphis, TN; Braylon Harris of Little Rock, AR; Brooklynn Marie Robinson of Little Rock, AR; Tailor Robinson of TX; and Jay Griffin of Rowlett, TX; Leia Joy Green of Memphis, TN; as well as Nia Joy Robinson, Southaven, MS; and great-grandchild, Kristopher Carter Moses, Memphis, TN.

He is further survived by two devoted sisters, Evelyn Cummings and Mary Wilbert (Larry), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and cherished companions with whom he shared many wonderful memories.

Reverend Dr. Travis C. Robinson, Sr. will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to service, and the profound impact he made on the lives of countless individuals throughout his journey.

The family has scheduled a public viewing for Friday January 03, 2025, from 4pm until 6pm at R.S. Lewis Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Service of celebration will be 10am Saturday January 04, 2025, at Greenwood C. M. E. 3311 Kimball Ave. Interment will be Monday January 06, 2025, 10:30am at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd.

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