Tommy Robertson

Reginald Thomas (Tommy) Robertson, Jr., 80, of Canton, TX, passed away on April 23rd, 2023 after a sudden illness. Tommy was born on August 4th, 1945, to Reginald T. Robertson, Sr and Annie Mae Plyer Robertson in Camden, AR. After living in Camden and Morenci, AZ, the family, including his older sister Sara and younger brother Kenny, moved to Dallas, TX where Tommy graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1960.

It was in Dallas in 1961 where Tommy met the love of life, Nancy McAnally. They married on July 1st, 1963. Tommy worked for Texas Instruments for a few years then worked for the US Postal Service in Irving, TX from 1966 to 1973. At that time, Tommy surrendered his life to the Lord and began a career as a Baptist minister, just like his father.

He immediately began attending theology school and continued his education for over 10 years, constantly striving to better understand God’s Word and how to best spread the gospel. Tommy’s first pastoral job began in 1973 at Friendship Baptist Church outside Magnolia, AR. In 1975, he moved his family to West Memphis, AR, where he was the pastor of Richland Baptist Church for three years. In ‘78/79 he was the pastor at Macedonia Baptist in Greenbriar, AR. After moving the family back to Texas in 1979, he pastored Central Baptist in Lancaster until 1986. Tommy then made his last move, to Canton, where he led Valley Dale Baptist Church until he retired from the ministry in 1993. During these 20 years as a Baptist minister, Tommy devoted his life to the congregations he was called to lead. He visited those who were ill, counseled those in need, officiated countless weddings and conducted too many funerals. He left his mark on these church members by being present when they wanted help with God’s guidance, prayerful when they had personal needs and always had time to listen when they just wanted to talk. He made many lifelong friends, but, most importantly, allowed God to lead him where he was needed.

In 1981 Tommy added the title of Police Chaplain to his ministry when he volunteered as Chaplain of the Lancaster Police Department. He spent thousands of hours training and accompanying officers in the line of duty. This became a passion of his that, in culmination with his love of writing poems, eventually resulted in the 1988 publishing of a book of poems dedicated to officers everywhere entitled “A Tribute to Police Officers”.

Tommy and Nancy had three sons, Greg, Russ and Jeff, who were luckily spread out over a period of 9 ½ years. These three boys grew up playing countless organized sports, but probably best perfected the indoor versions of Hallway Football, Living Room Pro Wrestling, Bedroom Nerf Basketball and Family Room Paper Baseball. While this didn’t do wonders for the furniture or walls, it did keep them within arm’s length if they ever got out of line. He taught them how to take care of their cars, how to respect others and how to love Jesus. While some lessons stuck better than others, the three beautiful families they started is best evidence of his guidance. He said three of his proudest moments were officiating all three of his son’s weddings and finally welcoming three daughters to the family.

After retiring from the ministry, Tommy worked in the donut business by opening Donut Supreme stores throughout Texas, some of which continue to use his brand today. Within a few years of suffering a stroke in 2000, Tommy settled into a quiet life in Canton and did just fine as Papaw to his growing brood of grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop and made the family countless treasures.

Tommy is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Nancy Ella McAnally Robertson, his son Greg and wife Tracy of Argyle: son Russ and girlfriend Angie of Canton; son Jeff and wife Leigh Ann of Canton; and his brother Kenny and wife Kay of Brownsboro. Together his boys gave him eight grandchildren, three grandsons-in-law and one great-granddaughter. He is also Uncle Tommy to many nieces and nephews. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sara, and his first grandson Jordan Bryce, who left us all way too soon.

Tommy will be put to rest in Starr Cemetery, but we all know he’s already in heaven looking down on us today.