Listen to the Obituary
Bro. Gilbert Lee Robinson Sr., faithful servant of God, devoted husband, loving father, and steadfast shepherd to many, entered his eternal rest after a lifetime of wholehearted ministry and service on November 13, 2025. Born June 3, 1946, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Gilbert was the son of Amelia Viola Sallee Robinson and Virgil Robinson. From his earliest days, the Lord began shaping in him a gentle spirit, a tireless work ethic, and a deep compassion for
people-qualities that would define both his life and his calling.
Gilbert’s walk with the Lord began in his youth when, in September 1957, he went before the church at the historic Old Mud Meeting House and was baptized at Harrodsburg Baptist Church. In 1970, he made his true profession of faith, a moment that shaped the course of his life and set his heart firmly toward ministry.
In March 1974, Gilbert accepted God’s call to preach. He was licensed into the Gospel Ministry on May 8, 1974 and was called to pastor at Freys Creek July 27, 1974 and later ordained on September 1 of that same year by Dry Branch Baptist Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He later pursued theological education at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College from 1978-1981, faithfully preparing himself for the work God had placed before him.
Across four decades of pastoral ministry, Bro. Gilbert led congregations with wisdom, humility, and unwavering devotion. His pastorates included:
Freys Creek Baptist Church, Liberty, KY (1974-1978), Interim Pastor, Lawrenceburg Community Baptist Church (1978), Thompsonville Baptist Church, Springfield, KY (1978-1981), Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Faubush, KY (1981-1986), Slate Branch Baptist Church, Somerset, KY (1986-1993), Calvary Baptist Church, Somerset, KY (1993-2014), Interim Pastor, Burnetta Baptist Church, Nancy, KY (2014-2018)
He retired from full-time pastoring on December 28, 2018, though his heart for ministry never retired. In 2018 he became a member of Slate Branch Baptist Church and was a faithful member until his death.
Alongside his church leadership, Gilbert devoted 38 years to youth ministries, served 35 years as a camp director, 14 years as Associational Youth Director, and contributed decades of leadership through the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Laurel Lake Baptist Camp, Cumberland College, and various associational committees. He participated in the Billy Graham Crusade and Celebrate Jesus Now Crusade, always seeking ways to reach people with the Gospel.
Gilbert’s passion for missions took him far beyond Kentucky. Beginning in 1983, he made repeated trips to Nigeria, Africa-In 1999 he began a ministry in Brazil and continued going for 16 years, he returned annually, building relationships and sowing seeds of faith that still bear fruit.
In addition to overseas missions, Gilbert also served in domestic mission work, including assisting with church construction in Salt Lake City in 1997. On August 4, 2005, he organized Mission With a Purpose, a ministry that embodied his greatest desire-to take the Gospel wherever the Lord opened a door.
Whether working as a dairy farmer, G.M. mechanic, building contractor, volunteer fire fighter, or school bus driver, Gilbert approached every task with diligence and humility. His hands were never still, and his heart was always ready to serve.
Above all, Bro. Gilbert Robinson was a man devoted to God, to his family, and to everyone he encountered. His life’s work has touched countless souls, and the ministries he helped build continue to grow through those he inspired. The seeds he planted-at home, in the church, across Kentucky, and around the world-will continue to flourish for generations.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his father and mother Virgil and Amelia Robinson, 3 sisters Sue Coffman, Lillian Shelton, Betty Yocum, 2 brothers Jesse and James McGinnis, 5 brothers inlaw Jack Preston, Marshel Herring, George Herring, Don Lear and Phillip Shelton, and 1 sister in law Cheryla Everly.
On July 27, 1964, Gilbert married the love of his life, Rita Pemberton, beginning a 61-year journey of unwavering partnership and shared ministry. Together, they raised four sons who became the pride of his life: Gilbert Jr. (Tiger) and wife Loretta, Kellie and wife Tracy, Scott and wife Angie, and Jamie and wife Tammy. Gilbert’s legacy continues to flourish through his 1O grandchildren-Kyle Flynn (April McCaney), Corey Robinson (Brittany French), Chase (Destin) Robinson, Tucker (Tessa) Robinson, Taylor (Brandon) Keeney, Braxton (Challie) Robinson, Sarah Beth Robinson, Leeann (Hunter) Frye, Breanna Robinson, and Cole Robinson-and 6 great-grandchildren: Mazen Flynn, Chandler Robinson, RuthAnn & Raylee Keeney, and Sadie & Leighton Robinson. Bonus Great grandchildren Ellie & Bynlee and Ashlyn & Madison, 1 sister Sara Lear, along with 2 sisters in law, Judy Preston and Dana Herring, along with many nieces and nephews and special friends Curtis (Fayrene) Mayfield, Ivanilson (Jennefer) Renner and family.
Visitation will be held at the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home on Sunday, November 16, 2025,
from 5pm-8pm, the funeral will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 1pm, officiated by Bro. Bill Dawson, Bro. Scotty Nix,
Bro. Barry Vaught, and Bro. Brian Plants.
Burial will take place at Slate Branch Church Cemetery.
The pallbearers will include his grandsons Kyle Flynn, Corey Robinson, Chase Robinson, Tucker Robinson, Braxton Robinson, Cole Robinson, Brandon Keeney and Hunter Frye.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Mission with a Purpose or Laurel Lake Baptist Camp.
He finished his earthly race as he lived it: faithfully, joyfully, and with his eyes fixed on Jesus.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” -Matthew 25:21
Bro. Scotty Nix, Bro. Barry Vaught, and Bro. Brian Plants.
Lots of love and prayers for Rita and the family during this difficult time.
Love you Rita 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
Gilbert and Rita were our friends when we were teenagers running around and having fun. We lost contact with them over the next 60 years except for calling them once in a while or meeting them at a ballgame. We will always remember Gilbert as a good friend.
so sorry Rita and boys I Loved that family.
So sorry for your loss! Praying for you and your family Rita🙏🙏
To Rita and all the family, you have our sympathy. Bro Rubinson was a good pastor and preacher. He and Rita were good workers in the different churches. They both were so friendly.
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Bro. Robinson was a good person. I remember when my son was getting ready to have surgery him and Rita showed up. Meant so much to me and my family.. Prayers for Rita and the family. RIP my friend