Rufe "Robbie" L. Robertson Jr

Col. (Ret.) Rufe L. (Robbie) Robertson Jr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, April 19th, 2025 at the age of 95 in Marietta, Georgia. He was born on January 25th, 1930, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas to Inez Edwards and Rufe L. Robertson. He grew up helping on his family’s farm and operating their service station. He attended Cotton Plant High School where he played football and drove the school bus. Colonel Robertson originally enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 as a Private. In just 12 years, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, a testament to his dedication, skill and aptitude. In 1965, he was commissioned as a Captain. Earning regular promotions over the course of many challenging assignments, he achieved the rank of Colonel in 1983. Colonel Robertson retired from the Air Force in 1990 after forty years of dedicated service to our Nation. He was decorated numerous times, including being awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit. He also had a civilian career in Health and Human Services for more than 20 years. He served as Director of Personnel for the southeast region. Spending time with family and friends was important to Robbie. Lake Lanier was one of his favorite places. He loved boating, teaching family and friends to waterski, and pulling grandkids on tubes. He was a longtime member of Marietta First United Methodist Church and he was a faithful member of the Jack Aaron Sunday School Class. He enjoyed serving in his community, was an election poll manager, and was a charter member of the Lost Mountain Golden K Kiwanis Club. With his wife Joyce, he was an avid traveler. They went to all 50 states together including a road trip with dear friends to Alaska. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Harrell Lee Robertson and his infant son Kevin Robertson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joyce McClendon Robertson, his daughters, Vicki Haslip (Rick), Melissa Worley (Ben), and Amanda Nicholls (Kenny), his grandchildren Mary Kathryn Carver (Chris), Lauren Saran (Parnsa), Benjamin Worley (Sara), Pierce Worley, Sarah Ruth Nicholls, and Katie Nicholls, his great-grandchildren Rory Houser, Ellie Houser, Trey Worley, and Carter Jane Worley, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, April 24th at 2pm in the sanctuary of Marietta First United Methodist Church, with a visitation and reception immediately following in the Reception Hall. Memorial donations can be made in loving memory to Marietta First United Methodist Church. 56 Whitlock Ave, Marietta, GA 30064 https://www.mariettafumc.org/give

Rufe "Robbie" L. Robertson Jr

January 25, 1930 - April 19, 2025