A Tribute to a Faithful Pastor

Tommy Robbins

1948 — 2011

            Bro. Tommy Robbins and I have been friends for more than thirty years. In all those years, we have never had a cross word between us or a disagreement of any kind. The Lord graciously delivered my friend from all the evil consequences of sin and the Fall Sunday morning, January 9, 2011, just before eleven o’clock. The previous day I had the privilege of being at his side. We had several good visits.

When Shelby and I arrived at his home, Bro. Tommy assured us of his complete peace and his great desire to depart soon to be with Christ and His family in “the heavenly Jerusalem.” The last time he called me to his bed was about eleven o'clock Saturday night. He requested that I read and have prayer with him, his family, and his visitors. We read Isaiah 35, sang Amazing Grace, and prayed together. Shortly thereafter he went to sleep, awaking periodically, but no longer cognizant.

            Seventeen years ago Fairmont Grace Church in Sylacauga, Alabama called him to be their pastor. He served them and served the Lord Jesus with them with great faithfulness. Bro. Robbins was a soft spoken man of tremendous character and strength. Firmly convinced of the Gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ, he preached it faithfully and had no tolerance for those who compromise the Gospel.

            He sought no advantage or gain of any kind for himself. He pastored a small congregation, and considered it his honor to do so. He was loved by them; and he loved them. I had the privilege of preaching for him three days every year for seventeen years. For the past ten year Shelby and I have spent our annual visits to Sylacauga with Bro. Tommy and his wife, Robin, in their home. Never once did I hear Bro. Tommy speak ill of any of the Lord’s sheep who had been trusted to his care.

            The last few years of his earthly pilgrimage were years of deteriorating health, constant sickness, and much physical pain. Yet, Bro. Tommy never complained in my presence. Many others who attended to his needs and were in his presence almost constantly during his last days have said the same. The last time I asked him about his pain, Saturday afternoon, he said, “O we don’t want to get into that,” and smiled. He died as graciously as he lived.

            Tommy Robbins was greatly respected and greatly loved. He will be greatly missed. He showed me by example how to live in this world for the glory of God, trusting Christ and serving the interests of His kingdom. I pray that God the Holy Spirit give me grace to follow my friend’s example to the end of my appointed days.

Don Fortner

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