Cliff E. Robinson

Rev. Dr. Clifford E. (Dr. Cliff) Robinson, age 82, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, after a lengthy illness.

He was a member of Stanley Heights Baptist Church. He was a native of Nashville, Tennessee and was the only child of the late Clifford and Madalene Keeton Robinson. He attended Bob Jones College in Cleveland, Tennessee in 1946 and 1947. In January 1948 he was ordained at the Fatherland Street Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. In June 1949 he enrolled in Tennessee Temple College where he graduated in 1950 & 1951, with the A.A and B.A. degrees. He received the B.D. degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary-Chattanooga and later received the M. Div. degree. He completed his coursework for the TH.M degree and also received his Doctorate from Central Theological Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

From 1951 to 1953 he pastored in Cleveland and Carter's Creek, Tennessee, then spent four years in evangelism. In 1957 he was asked by Dr. Lee Roberson to join the faculty of Tennessee Temple College, teaching in the areas of Psychology, Greek and Bible, which he continued until 1985.

In addition to his teaching duties, Cliff also served as the Vice President of Student Affairs and as Dean of Students at Tennessee Temple. In almost 30 years he was privileged to teach many fine students and they had a special place in his heart. He stated on a number of occasions that Kay Arthur, founder of Precept Ministries was one of his best Greek Students.

In 1958 he was again asked to join the Pastoral Staff at the Highland Park Baptist Church to serve as Associate Pastor under Dr. Lee Roberson and Dr. J R Faulkner.

For the past few years he was a member of Stanley Heights Baptist Church. Before joining Stanley Heights, Cliff also served as teacher of the Radio Bible Class and later the Men's Bible Class. For over 25 years he wrote the curriculum for the entire Sunday School. He later had these published and had recently completed another volume.

Cliff had a great love for missionaries. For almost 3 decades he was the chairman of the annual missionary conference. He was present at the charter signing meeting for Baptist International Missions, Inc., in 1960.

In 1987 he became a weekly Bible teacher at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church and also served as the Interim Pastor.

Cliff enjoyed golfing, fishing and taking short Saturday road trips on his motorcycle with his friends. He was a lover of great music, particularly that of the Classical/Sacred style.

The last several years of his life, he was seen by his family as a man "of few words" who enjoyed his time at home. He could be seen having his daily lunch with his wife, Faye, at the Epicurean Restaurant. He was always available to his children for advice and help in any area.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Faye Robinson; son, James Robinson of Chattanooga; daughter, Deborah Robinson Atkins of East Ridge. He is also, survived by a number of cousins in Nashville.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM on Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Stanley Heights Baptist Church at the corner of McBrien and Ringgold Road with the Rev. Dr. Bill Compton and Rev. Brent Baughman officiating. Interment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers will be J F Reid, Ray Marler, Steve Clonts, Glenn Swygart, Charlie Nicholson and Glenn Copeland. Honorary pallbearers will be the missionaries that he so loved.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 5 to 8 PM at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist International Missions, Inc., 8614 Harrison Bay Road, Harrison, Tennessee 37341.

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Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412.