William Robertson Obituary

Reverend William Arvis Robertson, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), of Columbia, died on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Born in Anderson, South Carolina on February 14, 1946, he was the son of Arvis Edgar and Eunice Eveline (McClellan) Robertson. As the son of a career military veteran, he grew up in many different countries and areas of the U.S. As a young man, he answered the call of God and chose to become a minister of the Gospel. As a result of this lifelong decision, he attended Anderson University and was a graduate of Carson Newman College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Shortly after graduation and his ordination, he briefly served as a pastor in rural West Virginia but soon answered another call of God to become an Army Chaplain. As a result of this life-changing decision, he served honorably for over twenty-two years. Upon completion of his military career, he continued to serve God as Pastor of Earlewood Baptist Church in Columbia and as a Hospice Chaplain.
Throughout his entire life, family was extremely important to him and he never missed an opportunity to spend time with his loved ones. He married Shirley Elizabeth (Sullivan) Robertson, the love of his life, and they enjoyed more than 57 years together. He was the loving and devoted father of Bruce Edward Robertson and Talitha Karen (Robertson) Kimmel. He also developed and thoroughly enjoyed many lifelong friendships with people he met from all over God's world. To each and every one of these friends and loved ones, he will be sorely missed.
Survivors include his wife Shirley, son Bruce and wife Raychelle, daughter Talitha and husband Carl; grandchildren Katie Leigh Robertson, Olivia Anne McCleskey, Erin Rose Kimmel, Alice Karla Kimmel, and Amber Lynn Kimmel. He is also survived by brothers Jerry and Dale Robertson and by sisters Diane Wells and Janie Renee Robertson. He was predeceased by a younger brother Bruce Robertson. Survivors also include eight nieces and nephews as well as ten great nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Reverend Robertson will be held at 10:30 o'clock, Monday, June 30th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia. Burial will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 PM Sunday evening at the funeral home.
As devoted longtime members of Spring Valley Baptist Church, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the church located at 91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223 in lieu of flowers.