Robert Haynes, Sr.

BROTHER ROBERT LEE HAYNES, SR. was born on February 16, 1931 in Tampa, Florida. He was the youngest of six children born to the late Randolph and Rosa Lee Haynes.  As a young boy Robert, more affectionately known as "Bobby", would attend grade school and graduate from Middleton Senior High in Tampa, Florida.  He favored subjects such as history, mathematics, and economics. In addition to being well known for his strong debating skills, he also exuded exceptional athleticism while engaging in his favorite sports baseball, boxing, and football. He was so talented in "running the ball", that he earned a full scholarship to play football at Grambling State University his senior year.

Given his desire to become fully self-sufficient and make his father proud, Robert declined his scholastic offer and decided to pursue a career in the military instead. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he would fulfill twenty 20 years and twenty-two days of honorable service. While stationed in El Centro, "Bobby" would meet the love of his life; a young Ida Bell "Cookie" Haynes one sunny afternoon in an open field. After marriage, the two would soon move to San Diego, California where they would raise two children; daughter, Ferlia Anquinette Haynes, and son, Robert Letrel Haynes, Jr.

Following a brief period of retirement with the U.S. Navy, Robert decided to get back into the workforce and found gainful employment with the Unites States Postal Service. There he would spend the next twenty years working full-time as a Supervisor of Custodial Services before retiring a second time.

 Even though he spent many years working to earn a living, he always sought to evoke his personal civic duty as an American; a commitment that prompted him to study Political Science and Economics at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California. The knowledge acquired through his studies fueled a passion that would later manifest into his great desire for community service and volunteer work. Much of his activism can be seen in the 4th and 8th Districts of the City of San Diego, where he served as a Volunteer Ombudsman and Executive Board member of the Greater Skyline Hills Town Council. For decades he enthusiastically advocated for several projects to improve the community in which he resided. Some of those key improvements included regularly paved roads for motorists, accessible sidewalks for the disabled, new playground structures for children, modern libraries for students, and properly maintained community parks and recreation centers for all to use.

But of all his many passions, including maintaining the most perfectly manicured lawn, none exceeded the love and passion he shared for our Saviour Jesus Christ. He was an avid reader and devoted to the daily study of his favorite book, "The Holy Bible". He spent innumerable hours studying the teachings of Christ and engaging in fellowship with others to further his understanding of biblical and spiritual principles within the Church of Christ.

On Saturday January 6, 2018, Robert was released from his physical presence and invited to pick up a new residence in eternal glory. He leaves behind one son, Mr. Robert L. Haynes, Jr.; daughter-in-law Mrs. Darnella Smith- Haynes; three grandchildren, Terrell, Charles, and Chanelle Haynes; two great-grandchildren Tianna and Larry Don Ross III; and a host of nieces,  nephews,  and friends to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-three years Mrs. Ida B. Haynes; daughter, Ferlia A. Haynes; grandson, Larry Don Ross II; both parents and five siblings.