James Marlin Robertson,

James Marlin Robertson, 99, of Cleveland, passed peacefully at home on Saturday Nov. 15, 2025.

Born in 1926, Marlin lived nearly a century with an unmatched work ethic, a sharp wit, and a straight-shooting personality that never left anyone guessing what he thought.

Raised in rural Alabama, Marlin was the kind of adventurous boy who rode his bike across half the state, narrowly escaped being eaten by a cow on Easley Bridge, survived castor oil remedies, and grew up loving apples and oranges with a devotion he never outgrew. He played basketball for the Cleveland Panthers before proudly serving his country as a World War II soldier.

After the war, Marlin married his high school sweetheart, and the two built a life shaped by love, faith, and unwavering commitment. A world traveler and lifelong learner, Marlin mastered the brick masonry trade and taught the craft to many. He later worked for the United States Department of Labor, where he managed the state’s apprenticeship program.

And truthfully, he could fix anything. A handyman, house builder, farmer, fisherman, basketball coach, driving instructor, mechanic, and devoted caretaker, Marlin was the very definition of a Renaissance man. He trained dogs, assembled toys, worked his way up every career ladder he touched, and built birdhouses and playhouses of all shapes and sizes. He grilled steaks, made gravy for the Rosa Methodist Men’s Breakfast Club, enjoyed coffee with his friends at the Chevron station, and supported local business—especially Oh So Good BBQ.

A man of deep faith, Marlin was the “voice of God” in the church Christmas play, a giver of benedictions, a lover of the Lord, and a steady presence whose plain-spoken wisdom wisdom guided those around him.

Marlin loved Alabama football, NASCAR, John Wayne, Walker Texas Ranger, ribs, cornbread, and a good crossword puzzle. He read constantly, spoke with authority on covered bridges and John Deer equipment, and kept impeccable books with excellent penmanship. He was a beach bum, a green thumb, a burnt clay artist, a bluebird preservationist, and a loyal neighbor who helped anyone who needed him.

To his family, however, Marlin’s greatest titles were the simplest ones: loving husband, devoted dad, wonderful grandfather, exceptional great-grandfather, and loyal friend. He is survived by his wife Eva Jean Blackwood Robertson; his daughter Marla Kaufman (Kenny); his granddaughters Casey Tansey (Nick) and Jenna Kaufman; and his great-grandchildren Lucas and Cecelia Tansey.

Marlin Robertson lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world immeasurably better than he found it. He was our greatest Dad, our greatest Pop, and our greatest example of how to live a good life. He will be profoundly missed and forever cherished. Roll Tide.

A graveside service held Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at Cleveland Methodist Cemetery beginning at 1 p.m. with Jerry Gargus presiding. Burial followed. 

Lemley Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.