Dr. Chester R. Robinson, 64, of Commerce, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, following a brief illness. He was born in Bluefield, Virginia, on September 21, 1956, the son of James Chester Robinson and Betty Loraine Monroe Robinson. A memorial service will be held to honor Chester on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Commerce, with Rev. Sam Caldwell and Rev. Dr. LaVelle Hendricks officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
Chester attended Tazewell High School, graduating with the class of 1974. He then earned a BA degree from Bluefield College in 1979, an MS from Radford University in 1980, an MA from Appalachian State University in 1984 and his PhD from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1995. Chester was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, the American Counseling Association and the Texas Counseling Association. He spent 26 years on the faculty of Texas A&M University-Commerce as a Professor of Counseling.
Chester married the love of his life, Julia McFarland, on June 22, 1985 at Carrboro Baptist Church in Carrboro, North Carolina. His son Mac was born in 1995 and his daughter Maggie followed in 2002. He deeply loved and was most proud of his children and supported them in every endeavor. He drew his greatest joy from family time, whether it was playing cards and games or going to the theater.
Chester and his family have been residents of Commerce for 26 years. He was extremely active in the community serving his neighbors, friends, students and colleagues. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Commerce, a supporter of the Commerce Band Program, and a volunteer at the Bread of Life Food Pantry.
Chester is survived by his wife, Julia Robinson, his son, James “Mac” Robinson and his daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Robinson, and a large extended family including many in-laws and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Betty Robinson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a memorial scholarship established by the TAMUC Foundation. Please designate your gift by writing on the memo line: “Dr. Chester Robinson Scholarship”, Mailing Address: TAMUC Foundation, PO Box 3425, Commerce, TX 75429-3425.
