Ernest L. Robertson Jr.

ERNEST LAWRENCE ROBERTSON of Marietta (Age 83) passed away peacefully at Arbor Terrace in East Cobb on November 6, 2015, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Lawrence (Ruby) Robertson, Sr., long-time Marietta residents. Survivors include his devoted wife of almost 60 years, Dr. Doris Musgrave Robertson, daughters Marybeth Robertson Atkins (Joseph Blackshear Atkins, Sr.), Laura Robertson Ferguson (Thomas Harry Ferguson, Jr.), and son, David Lawrence Robertson, Sr. (Beth Kimbrell Robertson), along with six grandchildren who had great affection for "Robby:" Mary Sutherland Atkins, Joseph Blackshear Atkins, Jr., Thomas Harry Ferguson, III (Ashton Songer Ferguson), Anne Ferguson Childs (John Caleb Childs), David Lawrence Robertson, Jr., and Charles (Charlie) Kimbrell Robertson. Ernest is also survived by his sister, Lucy Robertson Greene (Woodbridge Parker Greene, Sr.), Sharon Greene Austin (Jeff Austin), and Woodbridge Parker (Buck) Greene, Jr.

Growing up on Washington Avenue in Marietta, Ernest attended City of Marietta Schools from first grade through high school. A favorite remembrance from his MHS years was playing football on Coach James "Red" Pressley's legendary Varsity football team and selection for All-State Honors. Following graduation, Ernest received a scholarship invitation from UGA to join Coach Wally Butts' Varsity football team. To prepare for his life career, Ernest completed an insurance program at Georgia State and his Active Duty obligation at Fort Monmouth, NJ and Fort Bliss, TX. On Christmas Day, 1955, Doris & Ernest were married at the Decatur Presbyterian Church. In 1957, Ernest began his insurance career at the Spratlin, Harrington firm (Atlanta) and earned a reputation as an Independent Insurance Agent who put clients first. After a series of partnerships, Ernest launched the Robertson Insurance Agency in Sandy Springs. The final step in his distinguished insurance career was the purchase of his company by Arthur J. Gallagher (NYSE), one of the world's largest insurance brokers. Throughout his life, Ernest's strong faith served as a guiding force beginning with early attendance at Marietta's Baptist Church followed by his family's membership at Rock Spring Presbyterian. This was a church close to his heart as the three Robertson children were baptized here, while he served in meaningful leadership roles, such as being a Youth leader and Elder. In 1996, a move from Sandy Springs to East Cobb was accompanied by a decision to join the Peachtree Presbyterian Church where a warm welcome was waiting and has remained.

On Sunday, November 15, 2015, at 2 p.m., friends of Ernest Lawrence Robertson and his family are invited to attend the Celebration of Ernest's Life at the Kellett Chapel, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Mark Crumpler officiating. Following this Service, there will be a Reception at the Chapel where guests are invited to greet family members. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Pastors' Discretionary Fund at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Tel.: 404-842-500). H.M. Patterson & Son Funeral Home in Sandy Springs is in charge of arrangements. A private family burial at Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs will precede the Celebration Service. Condolences can be entered at http://www.dignitymemorial.com/hm-patterson-son-arlington-chapel/en-us/index.page. The Robertsons wish to express appreciation to Arbor Terrace of East Cobb and Amity Care Hospice for their kindness to Ernest and his family.