Robert L. Baldwin Sr.

Robert Lee Baldwin, Sr. (affectionately known as “Grandpa”, “Daddy Robb” and “The Mighty Robb”) was born January 5, 1938, in Mansfield, Louisiana, to Annie May Thomas and Walter Baldwin. Robert had one sibling, Wilmer Hines (deceased). Shortly after childbirth, Annie Mae Thomas passed away and Robert was lovingly raised by his mother’s sister, Susie Thomas Williams (James, both deceased). Robert’s mother Susie (known to all as “Aunt Sue”) sought a better life for both Robert and herself, by moving to Houston in the early 1940s arriving by train with only a few cents in her pocket. Robert and Aunt Sue were blessed to have met kind strangers who became life-long friends, and along the way in 1948, Aunt Sue became one of Jehovah’s Witness and instilled in Robert the desire to serve Jehovah God. Robert was an “A” student in school, avid reader, was quick witted and possessed a photographic memory. He graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas. Robert worked in his parents' Dry Cleaners (the first one owned by African Americans in North Houston) and played Baseball, a sport in which he became an outstanding athlete. In 1957, Robert married Ruby Malone and to this union three beautiful children were born.

Robert worked for Weingarten’s Foods for 27 years and retired as a Warehouse Supervisor, then worked and retired again from Stanley Black and Decker as a Service Representative after 10 years. While working at Weingarten’s Foods and taking care of his family, Robert continued to play baseball with a local Houston team. Robert’s exceptionally skillful ability to play center field, hit home runs and throw-out runners hoping to score a winning run was unmatched during his career as a semi-professional Baseball player. His nickname was “Big Red.” Weingarten’s and a local sports organization presented Robert with a “Golden Glove Award” plaque which included a write-up in the local newspaper acknowledging his remarkable athletic and work accomplishments. In 1960, he was recruited by the Chicago White Sox professional baseball team. While training in Florida at the pre-season camp, Robert and his fellow African American teammates had to endure mistreatment that was common at that time against them that tested his patience and brought challenges that caused him to severely miss his family. He subsequently found himself being drawn to make the decision to give up his professional baseball career to return home, be with his family and to serve Jehovah.

On July 10,1949, Robert was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness and has served Jehovah faithfully until his passing on August 24, 2023. During these past 74 years, a few highlights of Robert’s faithful service includes: attending Pioneer School and countless Conventions, and serving as a Watchtower conductor, Ministerial Servant and Elder both in Houston, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Known as an astute student of Jehovah’s Word and an eloquent public speaker well-knowledgeable of the Scriptures, Robert was one of the first African American brothers selected to give a talk at a non-minority Kingdom Hall in Houston, Texas, in the early 70s. Robert never met a stranger and never wavered in his faith in Jehovah, even though his faith was severely tested recently during an especially trying last 3 years—which included serious health issues deterring him from attending the meetings.

In 1993, Robert married Anita Bates Hunter and later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they settled. Robert is survived by Anita, lovingly mourned by his children, daughter Rosalind (Langston), son Robert Jr. “Sandy” (Mia), daughter Felicia “Fee” (Wayne) and their Mother Ruby Malone Baldwin; grand and great-grandchildren -- Tieranny (Alysia), Bryson, Jacorey, Brandon, Caleb, Tyler, Courtney, Megan, Colby, Dylan, Daydrun, and Aidyn, as well as a large number of amazing nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A celebration of life for Robert will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cem, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CalvaryHillFuneralHome.com for the Baldwin Sr. family.