Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson Sr. Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson Sr.

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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America the Beautiful was sent for Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson Sr. - January 03, 2025

Send flowers for Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson Sr.

Lola Watson sent Stars of Life Standing Spray for Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson Sr. - January 02, 2025

"Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your beloved."
AAI - IRS CI

Mercy Grace Faith Sending heartfelt condolences to Travis, Teri, Tagos, Tiffany and your families. Each of you inherited your father's qualities and features within your heart. He loved each of you dearly. Love you all! Uncle Travis memory He would always welcome family with a joyous smile and a special hug every time.
DeNae Robinson

Mercy Grace Faith Sending condolences to Travis, Teri, Tagos and Tiffany and your families. Each of you inherited your father's qualities and features in your mind and heart. He loved each of you dearly. Love you all!
Uncle Travis memory💙 How he would always welcome family with a joyous smile and a special hug every time.
DeNae Robinson

I am so glad I had the opportunity to see and tell you how much I appreciated everything you and aunt Mary did for me. You were more than my uncle, you were like a father to me. I know you, great grandmother, my grandmother, uncle Roger and Aunt Mary Joy are back together having a hrand time! I love and miss you. Your niece Myan!

James and Mary Binion send our condolences to Travis's family and all that knew him well. You all are in our prayers. May God bless and comfort you as you remember the wonderful life and times you shared with Travis.

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson. May our God bless you with the peace and comfort needed during your time of grief. Dr. Cynthia Calhoun

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this time. Pastor Travis was truly a kind and wonderful soul who will be greatly missed by all.
The Cox Family

" OUR Sincere Condolences to the Entire FAMILY! "

Michael and Chandra Alston and family would like to send our prayers and condolences to Travis Jr., Teri, Tagos, and Tiffany. We will always remember your father's loving and kind spirit! We pray for you all in this time of bereavement. May God comfort you and all those who loved and cherished him.

Thank you Travis for bringing so much joy, happiness, fun, and laughter to my life. I thank God for all the memories we made. We walked across the glass floor over the Grand Canyon, rode a helicopter over the Arch in St. Louis, rode camels in Mexico, sailed the Caribbean Sea, flew over the Atlantic Ocean, cruised the Thames in London and the Seine in Paris. And there were so many more adventures we shared and planned. Rome and Venice were in your sights. You told me, "Do it now!" I will be forever grateful for having spent a part of your last day in life with you. You came on your motorcycle, we jumped in my car and went for lunch. We were blessed with a last dance in my garage to some radio tune I cannot name. Then off you flew on your bike to Old Forest Road. "Home ..." you texted. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I thank God for sending you into my life. Love, Alma

Prayers and condolence to the family of Rev. Dr. Travis Smith a man of faith; "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted: he rescues those who spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:18 Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, Past International President Women's Missionary Council Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (2003-2011).

Rev. James W. Johnson and family would like to send our prayers and condolences to the family of Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson Sr. We will always remember his kind words and inspirational spirit! May God continue to Bless you all is our prayer!

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN