85R27579 CJM-D
By: Turner H.R. No. 1968
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Arlington are mourning the loss of
Dr. Norman Lee Robinson, senior pastor of Mount Olive Baptist
Church, who passed away on April 28, 2017, at the age of 96; and
WHEREAS, The son of Lee and Gollie McCoin Robinson,
N. L. Robinson was born on February 23, 1921, in Sanger and grew up
in Palmer; he bravely defended his country as a member of the
U.S. Army during World War II, and he was honorably discharged in
1945; his service was recognized with an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign
Medal with a Bronze Star seven decades later; and
WHEREAS, Returning stateside, Dr. Robinson accepted a
position with the Dallas Housing Authority, where he worked until
his retirement in 1976; to further the spiritual journey that he had
begun on Guadalcanal Island during the war, he earned a degree from
the Southern Bible Institute of Dallas in 1962; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan became a member of the clergy at
St. John Baptist Church in Grand Prairie and pastored Lucille
Missionary Baptist Church in Palmer before being called to the
pulpit at Mount Olive in 1966; the church thrived under his
leadership, growing from 17 members to more than 12,000 and
developing a range of initiatives of benefit to the community; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Dr. Robinson received numerous
accolades; he was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree and
keys to the cities of Arlington and Grand Prairie, and he received
letters of commendation from Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill
Clinton; in 1992, North West Street in Arlington was renamed
N. L. Robinson Drive in his honor; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Robinson enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Pearl, with whom he shared more than 65
years of marriage until her death in 2014; he was the proud father
of three daughters, Norma Faye, Maynell, and Gwen, and he cherished
the time he spent with his numerous grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, An admired spiritual leader, N. L. Robinson made a
positive difference in the lives of his loved ones and fellow
citizens alike, and his contributions will continue to resonate for
years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Norman Lee
Robinson and extend sincere best wishes to his relatives and
friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
Dr. N. L. Robinson.