Command Sgt. Major Retired Pastor Albert Robinson, Jr.

CSM(R) Pastor Albert Robinson, Jr., was born on September 20, 1943, to the union of Pauline and Albert Robinson, Sr., in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received his formal education at Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, PA. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, and while serving in the Army, he advanced his education and obtained the following degrees: Associate of Arts from Saint Leo College; Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Saint Leo College, Cum Laude; Bachelor of Theology from Christian Life School of Theology, Magna Cum Laude; and graduate credits in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

Pastor Al began his spiritual journey when he was baptized as a child while residing with his grandparents in Center Hill, Florida. After returning to his home in Philadelphia, PA, he joined the Zion Baptist Church where he took his early steps in faith under the direction of the late Reverend Leon Sullivan. In June of 1992, Al Robinson moved to Augusta, and in 1993, he became a member of Spirit Creek Baptist Church under the leadership of interim Minister, Dr. Howard W. Jones. Shortly after joining the church, Albert Robinson, Jr., served as chairman of the Youth Council as well as serving as a member of the Trustee Ministry. Subsequently, he united with Greater Young Zion Baptist Church in 1996, where he was rebaptized on September 27, 1998. He served Greater Young
Zion Baptist Church as Youth Minister, member of the Brotherhood Ministry, Christian Education Ministry, Discipleship Ministry, and Board Member of Koinonia Community Development Corporation (CDC). He had a burning desire to live by the work of God and to share the word with others. This commitment ultimately led him to retire from Ft. Eisenhower as Sports Coordinator and from USA Boxing as an international judge and referee because he wanted to become a full-time soldier in the Army of the Lord, leading others to Christ. He was ordained as a minister on February 27, 2005, and because of his heart for the youth, he served as Youth Minister and later became Senior Ministry Director. He became Pastor of Smith Grove Baptist Church on December 20, 2009. He continued to serve in this capacity until his death. The focus of his ministry was to preach and teach God’s word so that lives would be changed, souls would be saved, and God would be glorified.

Everyone who knew Pastor Al knew that he strongly advocated being physically fit through exercise and eating healthy. He enjoyed all sports. Once he committed his life to serving God, he exhibited the same passion to studying God’s word so that He could share the Word with others. He was concerned about the lost. So, it was not unusual for him to share the word of God with anyone that he met or “to hit the streets” to evangelize. He also willingly helped anyone he could, showing them the love of God. He was an encourager!

While serving in the military, Pastor Al maintained a stellar career, achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM). He received the Legion of Merit. While stationed in Germany, outside of his military duties, he served as a top-notch official in basketball, football, baseball, softball and several other sports. He conducted numerous referee workshops nationally and internationally, and he received many awards, including Certified International Sports Judge and Referee (AIBA). He was recognized as the #1 boxing judge/referee at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He was inducted into the TAG (Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia) Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame, and after officiating in over 1,000 boxing matches, he was inducted into the USA Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002.

After retiring from the military, Pastor Al served as an instructor for the Army JROTC at Estill High School from 1990-92 and as a high school official for basketball. Subsequently, he was hired as a Sports Specialist (Fitness) and technical advisor to the Sports Director at Ft. Eisenhower. Later, he was promoted to Sports Coordinator. He retired from this position, when he experienced God’s calling to become a minister. Pastor Al lived a life of purpose by impacting the lives of others, so he touched many lives through his affiliation with the following organizations: Vice Chairman of USA Boxing Officials Committee (1992-1996), Member of USA Boxing Rules and Regulations Committee (1992-1996), Member of USA Boxing National Board of Review, Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Former member of 100 Black Men, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia-Evangelism Coordinator (Six Districts inclusive of Districts: 1st, 2nd, 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th), Sergeant Major Association of Ft. Eisenhower, Youth Ministry and Senior Ministry.

Pastor Al earned his wings on January 5, 2025. To God be the glory for a life exemplified by his unwavering faith, his love for his family and friends, and for all the lives he was blessed to impact. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Albert Robinson III and Terrence Taylor; brother, Roy Pinkney; three sisters, Willie Ola Perry,
Rosetta Pinkney and Lillie Brooks.

Pastor Albert Robinson, Jr. leaves to cherish his memories and to wait the coming of God Almighty: his wife of twenty-five years, Joyce Robinson; children, Karen Ransome, Daren Robinson, Michael (Nicole) Varnado, Dr. Anthony T. Robinson, Wanda Gregory, Albert A. (Latay) Robinson, Phalon (Runa) Robinson; great-grandson adopted as a son, Zaire Robinson; three sisters, Ruby Mundane, Veronica Ross and Shelia McLean; twenty-six grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; godchildren, Deon and Deondra Martin; and a
host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Throughout Pastor Robinson’s life, he believed that everything should be done at a level of excellence, whether it was in his personal, work or spiritual life. He took pride in the way he carried himself, and he always had a desire to improve and the drive to do what it took to be the best at whatever God called him to do. He had a passion for working with people—the youth, the elderly and anyone in need of guidance or prayer.