Robert Lee Tolbert

Robert Lee Tolbert, 74, passed away Friday, November 24th.

Robert was born in Fort Riley, Kansas, on July 18, 1949. He was the third eldest of five children belonging to Army SSgt James Wilford and Charlotte Elizabeth Tolbert.

Robert was an Army brat traveling the world as his father served in the US Army. He attended grade school in Germany and Columbus, Georgia, before his family settled in Pensacola, Florida. Robert graduated from Pensacola Technical High in 1967.

To avoid being drafted, Robert joined the U.S. Navy in 1969. He served as a postal clerk on the USS Blakley during the Vietnam War. After his tour of duty overseas, Robert was stationed at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, MS, where he met his future wife, Betty Lou Pujol. In the late 70s, Robert served aboard the USS Koelsch and was stationed at NAS Mayport.  Robert ended his military career in the fall of 1980, completing 11 years of service.

Following his military service, Robert shifted his focus to his family, raising five children in Southern Mississippi. Robert relocated back home to Pensacola, Florida, in the early 1990s to be closer to his father. Robert was a simple man, working hard and enjoying annual family vacations to places like Disney World. Robert was a member of Milestone Baptist church for more than 20 years before moving to Northern Tennessee.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents: James Wilford Tolbert (d.1996) and Charlotte Elizabeth (Lee) Tolbert (d. 1985), and sisters: Wynell Elizabeth Tolbert (d.1943) and Martha Ann Tolbert (d.1955).

Robert is survived by his children: Christopher (Amy) Tolbert, Bessie (Brian) Evans, Floyd (Samantha) Tolbert, Robert (Amber) Tolbert, and Tracey Tolbert; his nine grandchildren: Tanner, Adrienne (Casey), Kayla, Madison, Sammy, Cassandra, Brooklyn, Brantley, Trevor; his siblings: James Tolbert and Gail (Ed) Schmitt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 11:30 am at Elizabeth Primitive Baptist Church in McKenzie, Alabama with Pastor James Carter officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in the Elizabeth Cemetery. A reception to include lunch will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.

Nashville Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with handling Mr. Tolbert's arrangements. Please visit his guestbook to leave a thoughtful note for the family.