Robert Tisby Jr.

Robert Tisby Jr. April 16, 1938 - December 29, 2025

Robert Tisby Jr. was born April 16,1938 in Brownlee, Louisiana from the union of Robert Tisby Sr. and Octavia Haywood. Robert was the third of three children with two older sisters (Josephine and Betty) and later a younger brother (Gregory) was added to the family. Robert credits his grandmother Delia for “raising him” and teaching him to cook. Robert was the last sibling to pass away. He received Christ at an early age and reaffirmed that dedication in his senior years.

Robert was raised in Shreveport, La. attending grammar school, Jr. high school and then graduating from the famous Booker T Washington High School in 1956. He was a popular student best known for his cheerful friendly personality and his ability to make everyone laugh. His comedic timing often mixed with physical comedy would leave family, schoolmates and friends laughing to the floor. He was a member of the performing arts team, a talented singer and was voted “Best Dancer” in his senior year. It is here that he met (and later married) the love of his life Annie Loyd Black. Robert actively and faithfully served in his BTW class reunion committees and events until his passing.

After graduating from high school, Robert was mentored and employed in blueprint graphic arts and operations. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1964. In 1958 Robert fathered a child, Donald Ray (Tisby) Allen in Dallas, Texas. Robert’s longing for better job opportunities free of Jim Crow restrictions and a personal desire to become a professional entertainer led him to relocate to Sacramento, California. He returned to Shreveport, La., married Annie Loyd Black and permanently settled his new family in Los Angeles in 1959. Three children were born from their union Robin Renee, Pampa Rochelle and Rory Kelvin.

Robert was part of an upcoming singing group called “The Attractions” performing in nightclubs and gigs all over the Los Angeles area. They recorded under the Markay label “Since You’ve Been Gone,” a song that Robert co-wrote and sang the lead vocal. Robert was the funny man of the group who mastered the James Brown splits and fancy footwork across the stage with grace and thrilling showmanship. In 1965, Robert made the decision to “walk away from the music industry because of the drug culture that co-existed within it”. He chose to focus on providing for his family.

As a single man, Robert was a longtime resident of Hawthorne, CA. He worked for the City of Los Angeles as a Senior Reprographic Operator and retired after 30 years of faithful service in 1997. Robert indulged in his favorite hobbies: class reunion trips and events, fishing, cooking, golf, bowling, basketball, watching sports, watching westerns and dating women. He remained a bachelor for 60 years. Robert’s best friends were his brother-in-law Willie Mosley (deceased) and his classmate from the third grade, Freddie Marshall.

After two months of increasing illness, Robert Tisby Jr. passed away December 29, 2025 at the ripe age of 87. Those left to cherish Robert’s memory include his three living children: Robin Mc Daniel (San Bernadino), Pampa Thompson (Carson), and Rory Tisby Sr. (Rialto) all of California. Robert had 9 grandchildren: James Yoo Su, Bobby Jr., Reynesha, Jacquea, Cinnamon, Jonathan, John Kennedy, Rory Jr., & Kelvon. He had 13 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a gazillion of friends who were like family. Robert was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.