Corliss Robinson Sr.'s Obituary
Corliss “Tom” Robinson, Sr., 82, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023, in a local hospital. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on April 7, 1941, to Josephine Robinson and Benjamin J. Dyer. Corliss, affectionately known as “Tom” was reared by his grandmother, Lillie and his aunt, Jerry. He was the oldest of six siblings. Corliss accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Redemption to the Nation Church under the leadership of Pastor Kevin Wallace. Corliss was educated in the Tennessee school system and graduated from Howard High School, class of 1959. In 1970, Corliss enrolled at Chattanooga State Technical Institute and majored as a Computer Programmer. While at Chattanooga State, He was very influential in the development of the first Black fraternity there—Alpha Phi Omega Chapter. Following Corliss’ graduation from Chattanooga State he secured employment at Combustion Engineering in the Purchasing Department. He was a hard worker and often worked two jobs. His former employers included Mountain City Club, Erlanger Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and several home health agencies where he received many awards for being an outstanding caregiver. Corliss was a person of many talents; he was an entrepreneur and was blessed to have several business ventures in his lifetime. Now, not only was Corliss an entrepreneur and a hard worker, he was a giver. There was never a dull moment with him and he loved to give. If he could help in any way he would. He never met a stranger. Corliss genuinely loved people and enjoyed watching movies. He was preceded in death his grandmothers, Lillie Simmons and Ella Dyer; mother, Josephine Cochran; father, B.J. Dyer; stepfather, Samuel Jake Cochran; aunt, Geraldine Catchings; brothers, Theartis Cochran and Darrell Cochran; son, Corliss Robinson, Jr.; grandson, Jamaha Garner. Survivors include his daughter, Jevita Chapman; grandchildren, Mikki Chapman and Nico Chapman; great-grandson, Johnathan Chapman; sisters, Carolyn DuBose and Jacqueline Broughton; brothers, Maurice (Paulette) Cochran and Jimmy Dyer; foster son, Preston Smith; special niece, Kimberly (Jerry) Clark; special friends, Tamela Ramsey, Winfred Ragland, Gary Harris, and A.O. Mott; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. Corliss will lie-in-state on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the chapel with Associate Minister Carolyn DuBose as the eulogist. Burial on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 10 a.m. in Forest Hills Cemetery.
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