The Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Robinson died on May 29, 2024, at the age of 86 (1937-2024).
Wayne was born on September 13, 1937, in Clinton OK to Rev. Ralph and Minnie Pryor Robinson. He received his Bachelor of Theology from Southwestern College of Christian Ministries (Bethany OK) in 1959 and his Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma City University in 1961. He then began his ordained ministry in the Pentecostal Holiness Church, deeply influenced by its evangelical traditions. At the age of 25, seeking broader theological and ministerial perspectives, Wayne transitioned to the United Methodist Church. In 1967, he earned his Master of Theology from Southern Methodist University (Dallas TX). He continued his seminary education at the Perkins School of Theology. While engaged in his seminary, he joined the UUA (1989), a transformation step that aligned with his evolving theological perspectives. In 1991, he completed his Doctor of Ministry in the New Testament and became a fully credentialed Unitarian Universalist minister.
Rev. Dr. Robinson served the Channing UU Church of Edmond OK for five years (1990–1995). Subsequently, he was an interim co-minister at the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis MN (1996). In 1996, he accepted a call from the UU Church of Fort Myers FL where he would serve until 2000. Under his leadership, the Fort Myers church membership expanded, and so did the church’s community involvement and projects. He helped the church become a social and political force in Southwest Florida through various initiatives and the beginning of ministry with migrant workers. He was also recognized as an outstanding preacher.
From 2000–2001, Rev. Dr. Robinson served as an interim minister for the UU Church of Greater Lansing MI. He brought many good things to the Greater Lansing congregation. There was an increase in attendance and two morning services were held to overcome the problem of severe overcrowding and lack of parking space. In 2001, he founded All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers FL, and served until 2013. After 2013, Rev. Dr. Robinson worked as an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Rev. Robinson served in numerous nonprofit positions, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to social justice, faith, and education. He was a member of Planned Parenthood of Southwest Florida and a founder of the Lee County Pulling Together nonprofit group, which brought people of different races together to talk about the effects of racism. His activism included protesting America’s invasion of Iraq at the White House and receiving the “Outstanding Plaintiff Award” from the Oklahoma ACLU for a successful civil liberties suit.
He authored three books under his name: What’s a Nice Church Like You Doing in a Place Like This?, ’ORAL’ A Warm, Intimate Unauthorized Portrait of a Man of God, and I Once Spoke in Tongues. He also ghostwrote several biographical books, including The Passing of the Night by General Robinson Risner and The Call by Oral Roberts. At the time of his death, he was working on two new manuscripts.
Wayne was the recipient of numerous awards, including Visionary of Lee County by GulfShore Magazine. He was a frequent guest columnist for the News-Press. He was a prominent figure in Oklahoma, named as one of the top twenty-five newsmakers by the Edmond, Oklahoma Sun Newspaper.
Wayne is survived by his wife Joyce Schaffer; his three children Laura Gadberry, Brett Robinson, and Carol Pate; and eight grandchildren Dylan Gadberry, Devon Gadberry, Ella Robinson, Ford Robinson, Lila Robinson, Amber Pate, Elizabeth Deal, and Owen Pate. He also leaves behind his two sisters Mary Ann Loomis and Grace Shipley, and a myriad of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service was held on August 10, 2024, at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers FL 33901. Notes of condolences may be written here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.