Lutim Henry Robinson

Reflections from This Side of Glory Lutim (Henry) Robinson was born in Rhoadeville, Virginia on September 4, 1932, the fourth child of the late Graham Burnett Robinson and Roberta Marie Brooks Robinson. Although his parents named him Lucion Henry Robinson he later discovered that his birth certificate had him as Lutim Henry Robinson. That fact made Lutim his legal name but those who loved him called him Lucion, Henry, Robbie, Rev. Robinson or just Chief. He attended Rhoadesville Elementary School and graduated from Lightfoot Training High School. He was very intelligent and graduated as the Salutatorian of his class. Following high school, he attended Howard University for one year and subsequently made the decision to join the United States Air Force. In September of 1952 he and his life-long friend, Malboro Sharpe, were sent to Lackland ABF in San Antonio, Texas to begin their basic training, after which he attended supply school. Early in his career, he married his first love Inez Crudip on May 8, 1954 and began a family. He and Inez raised three intelligent sons and have many beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. He made the military his career and rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, a rank to which only 1% of enlisted personnel attain. During his 30 year career he held high level headquarter positions in exotic places around the world. While stationed in Japan, he became fluent in Japanese and headed an all Japanese speaking staff. He also studied martial arts for many years. In his last years of military service, he moved his family to Nellis, AFB and served as a logistics coordinator until he retired in 1982. After the military, he began a new career with EG&G and retired for a second time in 1991. Throughout his life it was evident, that no matter what position he held, he performed it with excellence. He received honors and awards for service excellence and was known to many as “the man” who could get the job done. Rev. Robinson was an ordained minister of the Gospel and was dedicated not only as a solider for the military but also a dedicated soldier for the Lord. As one of the 13 founding members of Unity Baptist Church he never wavered in his desire to see the ministry grow and remain grounded in the Word of God. He was humble and friendly to everyone he approached and always willing to offer assistance. He served as one of the first three deacons and as the first chairman of Deacon Board. He was involved in the development of the first church constitution and served on the building design and planning committees. Rev. Robinson was an accomplished guitarist and loved music. He was a faithful member of the men’s chorus and he was the first and only musician for Unity when it was first organized. He continued to play for all of the church choirs throughout the years. He taught Sunday School and Bible studies and served as interim pastor of Unity Baptist Church for three years. He also served as Minister for the Deacon Family Ministry, taught and baptized new converts, and served as Associate Pastor of Unity. At the age of 76 Rev. Robinson began a new chapter in his life and married his beloved friend and co-worker in the ministry Rev. Alice M. Carter. Like flowers bloom, so did this love blossom for all to see and through this union he gained three additional children, two sons and a daughter along with grandchildren and a great granddaughter. This was a glorious time in his life and he and Alice, along with their combined families enjoyed a blessed and adventurous journey together. Rev. Robinson and Alice worked in tandem as ministers at Unity Baptist Church and were always ready to help those who needed their help. Rev. Robinson loved people and he “adopted” many sons and daughters over the years. Locally and across the county he preached, taught bible classes, counseled, married, funeralized, baptized, supported and supervised many of the activities at Unity Baptist Church. He was a biblical scholar and often mentored those seeking to learn more about the bible and grow in the their walks with the Lord. He was sharp mentally and physically and was in the habit of walking 4 to 5 miles every morning. Throughout his ministry he continued to travel with his wife Alice and never stopped living or enjoying the life that God gave him. He thought of others and gave financially and substantially to whoever needed his help. He was a generous and kind man whose impact will continue to resonate in the community through those he touched and those he has taught. Although his physical presence will be missed, he has joined that great cloud of witnesses and will be ready and waiting for us, his family and friends who are still running the race. He was a special brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and was preceded in death by his first wife Inez C. Robinson, son, Craig Robinson, brother, Burnett Robinson and sisters, Goldie Mae Robinson and Mary Ella Robinson. He leaves to cherish his life and continue the work: his beloved wife, Alice M. Carter-Robinson, sons, Henry Robinson (Jr.) and Gary (Brenda) Robinson, Daughter-in-law, Patty Robinson, Sisters: Thelma Brooks, Beulah Robinson, Viola Robinson, Marjorie Turner, Pearlena (James) White, Step-children: Mark V. Carter Jr., Melody Carter, Venus Carter-Ramirez, Robert F. Carter, grandchildren: Joy Robinson, Leanne Robinson, Sean Robinson, Jenna Robinson, Eric Robinson, Andrew Robinson, Andrea Robinson, Vacheral Carter, Nathan (Ioana) Carter, Noah Carter, great grandchildren: Kristopher Blackmon, Kamren Blackmon, Kailey Blackmon, MacKenzie Crawford, Myla Carter, many loving nieces and nephews, relatives, ministry co-workers, neighbors, and dear and faithful friends. His gentle love, deeds and wisdom will forever be engraved on our hearts.