John Edward Robbins

Elder John Edward Robbins departed the scenes of this life on May 5, 2024 after a brief illness. The youngest child of the late Joe Houston Robbins and Vesta Lee Robbins.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Joe Lee Robbins and Bill Robbins; two sisters: Alice Atchley and Dora Risner; and one granddaughter, Emily Schwarzkopf.

He is survived by his youngest sister, Phyllis Robbins of Farragut, TN, his loving wife of 58 years, Judy, and sister Judy Lynn Quillen Robbins, who cared for him in their home until his death; three children: Elder John Wiley Robbins (wife Teresa), Leslie Ellen Schwarzkopf (husband Todd), and Rebecca Jane Blankenship (husband Scott); four grandchildren: John Houston Robbins, Jacob Todd Schwarzkopf, Andrew Edward Schwarzkopf, and Hannah Lee Robbins.

He graduated from the University of Tennessee in June 1967. He then entered the work force with The Department of Housing and Urban Development until his retirement. During this tenure, his advice and counsel was sought by Mayors, Congressmen, and Senators. Elder John was called to Washington by two sitting Presidents to serve as Secretary of HUD, however, he declined both appointments due to his burning desire to serve the Lord’s children in spirit and truth. Chuck Andrews, a former supervisor has said it best: “John Robbins has never been a bragging person.” Upon his retirement from HUD, he re-entered the work force serving as CEO of Curtis Management and Chief Mortgage Underwriter of BB&T. Brother John dates his experience of grace sometime between the ages of 3-4. He fought the call of the ministry until the long suffering of the Lord brought him to a place he could go no further. He offered himself to the Collierville Primitive Baptist Church and was baptized on the 4^th Sunday in April 1964. He was given an opportunity to speak after his baptism and the brethren advised him to return to his home area and exercise his Gift.

Elder John was ordained the 1^st Sunday in April 1965 and the following day, baptized the Sister who, on June 25, 1966, became his wife. Elder John served the Lord’s people for over 60 years. During his ministry, he was called to pastor as many as five churches simultaneously. He maintained a radio program for over a decade and was burdened to write many church songs that we sing every meeting time. During his brief illness, Brother John had two overriding concerns: maintaining the order and discipline of the church, and reaching the 4^th Sunday in April 2024. This marked his 60^th year as a member of the Lord’s people here on earth. He accomplished both goals, he fought a good fight and he kept the faith.

A public visitation will be held at Brownies Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Miracle, Kentucky, where he remained pastor until his death, on Saturday, May 11^th, 2024 from 12-2pm. A funeral service will follow with Elders John W. Robbins and Darrell Risner officiating.

Elder John Robbins will be laid to rest in the Brownies Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers: John Houston Robbins, Jacob Todd Schwarzkopf, Andrew Edward Schwarzkopf, Brother Tim Hunt, Todd Schwarzkopf, and Hannah Lee Robbins.