Robert you are missed! You left such a void in this world. I miss our deep conversations. You helped me on many occasions grappling with life and God’s promises. I miss your smile and booming laughter oh and your cooking!  I have many memories but a very special one is when you both came to pray over my mom. I didn’t realize about the date. She passed away on Feb 18th. 9 years ago. Who knew God would call you home 3 years later love always, Therese

One of my all time favorite people! I miss you dearly. I never got to thank you for all the joy you brought me and my family. Every time I step foot in the sanctuary at Mt. Bethel I am reminded of you, I can still see you standing on the altar, sheer joy on your face and that voice bringing tears to my eyes. Oh how I looked forward to Sunday's just to see what you would do next and to feel the Holy Spirit so evidently present! Your memory lives on in your family, especially through LoLo- I mean she is your mini-me + I love seeing her personality come out, it is a true reflection of you and she makes us smile! How thankful I am of God's promise because I will see you again and hear that amazing voice! I love and miss you my friend- xo

Gosh I miss this guy. Thankful for his friendship and influence in my life.

Happy heavenly birthday Robert!! I miss your singing and the pure joy you exuded when you worshipped thru song. You are still so missed by so many!!

Happy Heavenly Birthday I met Trey when I was a youth advisor at Hoosier UMC, he wasn't singing nor playing the organ or piano. He had a calling and he gave it All. You will never be forgotten.

Over our time together Robert and I had a number of occasions where we did a service or a funeral together. Not only was he an amazing talent with this words, his voice and his love for others, but he always made me feel the presence of the Lord when we were together. If Robert was around I knew everything would be just fine and I knew God would be glorified! I learned a lot from just being around him. I was truly blessed by his fellowship and his friendship!

Happy Heavenly Birthday Robert! I'm sure Keith will have a cigar in your honor :) As I sit here and think about you, I can't help but smile recalling all the joy your shared and spread on this world- your smile, laugh, humor and love for Jesus. I'm so thankful I get to call you my friend! Celebrate big and share your amazing voice leading all the angels in singing happy birthday to you! Love & Miss you- Denise

Robert was light, laughter, joy, and so much fun! You definitely knew he was around!!! I loved his heart. He loved his family so very much and was so proud of each one of the kids! His gift of music was glorious and yes, I was taken into a higher spiritual place when he sang. Robert you will never be forgotten!

I will always remember Robert’s smiling face and how much joy he had. Of course, his voice was beautiful too and deepened my faith. I continue to miss him.

I will always remember time with Robert on the hill at the Upper school at MBCA watching Preston and my son, Ryan play baseball. I always saw Robert at church and loved to see him sing and lead worship, but seeing him sit on the sideline and cheer on his “children” and fellowship with all of the fans was something I will always remember. He was so proud of Chandler, Preston, Tyler & Logan. He loved Dina so much and it was so evident in word and deed. I also vividly remember watching Chandler in the volleyball state championship and seeing Dina and Robert in the stands being so excited when Walton won. I can’t help but think that this is wonderful glimpse of heaven in seeing Robert cheering all of you on from the “hill”, the sidelines or up above. He loved you all you so very much and so very well!

46 years of attending church and I never enjoyed worshiping with anyone as much as I did Robert. I immediately smiled when I walked into church and saw him there ready to start the first hymn. He made a difference in people’s lives that he barely knew- what a legacy he left with that gift and through his beautiful family.

Robert was so special. He lit up a room when he walked in. Robert's voice commanded attention and left all in tears. But, for me it was just being able to spend time with him that will forever be in my memories. His voice, his laugh, his cooking... will never be forgotten.
I've never been so happy for 2 people to marry than I was for Dina and Robert. I always knew Dina deserved the best and God saved Robert just for her!
Robert is loved, Robert is missed but will live on in Logan's spunkiness and love for life! Missing you today, Robert but sending your family love and prayers for the years ahead without you.

Robert's love for Dina and the kids was always evident. I remember when he would walk by my classroom a few times a week to bring Dina a mid-morning Starbucks, and he would always pop in and say hi. I loved when he sang the National Anthem at the 4th of July neighborhood pool party. Wherever Dina and the kids were, that's where Robert would be - they were the center of his world.

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY ROBERT! You are missed

I remember how he sang. It was a gift straight from God. When he sang, everything stopped and 
The Lord was with you

Every time we saw Robert we talked about the boys... he was so involved in the day to day, and had such an incredibly deep love for P. He was always in the stands cheering him on at baseball, and taking Logan to the concession stand.  We shared texts about the boys and their “plans” , and one of the last times I saw him, he was driving while Erica and I were walking. He stopped and said hello and we talked about some other plans the boys were making..... he was always so in the loop with what each kid was doing and seemed to love being right in the middle of it all. Steven misses his big booming voice, his bacon cooking skills, and always saying yes to popsicles and Gatorades in the driveway.  He leaves an incredible legacy in the lives he touched, but none more important than within the walls of his own home. 

So many times that make me smile when I think of Robert especially the joy he had when he was with his family. There were Thanksgivings where he and his parents - before beautiful Dina came into his life - would drop by with his mom's sweet potato pie, my boys trying to make him laugh from their pew, celebrating when Dina accepted his proposal and Preston's baseballs games and watching him run after Logan. The one that stands out as one of my favorites though is the love he showed Rob and I by talking us through some struggles with selling our home in Alabama. With the terrible housing prices, the apprasial had come back and it was going to be a horrible financial hit to finally sell it and I was so upset. I immediatley called Robert and was beside myself. The first thing he told me was I needed to remember that whatever happened, we were going to be ok - God had us in his hands. He reminded me that no matter what, Rob and I had each other and the love of family. He prayed with me over the phone and then told me ' if need be, we'll have fish fry and that'll take care of that'. I laughed so hard and couldn't be upset any more after that. I miss Robert often and know his family does even more but I also know that he's still with us in our hearts and sings to his sweet family every night.

I still cry every time I hear someone sing Amazing Grace - it will forever remind me of Robert and his amazing heart.

I have many favorite memories of Robert singing at church, but the one that is the most special is the morning that he sang the most beautiful and powerful rendition of 'Amazing Grace' I have ever heard on October 19, 2014. This was the morning before Grace's amputation surgery and I think she even loved it more than me. Her surgery lasted most of the day on October 20th. When we were settled into her room in the ICU, I told her that they had posted the video on Mt Bethel UMC's website. She asked for me to play it for her, which I did. I think I played it a dozen times before she was satisfied and fell asleep. Robert brought such great comfort to Grace during her most difficult times and for that I will forever be thankful.

My in-laws used to come every year for Christmas. When we left the service my father in-law said, "Just listening to him sing was worth the trip."
We were excited to become neighbors with Dina and Robert. We barely had a chance to know him, but he was already looking out for us. When I was driving home from the airport in the snow last winter, my sweet neighbor Jo called to check on me and tell me that Robert was standing by to come get me if I ran into trouble getting home. Such a sweet guy.

I had the pleasure to travel to Africa with Robert. It was Aug 2010. See pic gallery of a picture I found of us. I didn’t know him well prior to the trip but became a lifelong friend during it (as a result of it) - as we had first met briefly at a MB Men’s retreat that same year. On this trip, we visited Kenya where we spent the majority of our time in KwambeKenya. The primary purpose was to build pit latrines for the local school. This was (then) via the 410 Bridge organization - prior to Project 82.  We roomed together the entire trip - more on this later. I recall vividly Robert being taken back by just being on the actual continent - he was truly feeling a dose of nostalgia (as he last visited Africa via Côte d'Ivoire many years prior). Years later I’d always joke with Robert about how he pronounced that country (Colt Da Vwa). During those obvious emotional times, I did not try to say I related because I couldn’t. He felt a sense of belonging that I could not grasp (at that time).
Back to our purpose of the trip - work. A lot of laborious tasks. It was funny (even in the moment) that Robert did more “relationship” building than actual building. This was his skill. He would tell stories to the school kids and strike up conversations with the teachers. They viewed him larger than life - literally and physically. Little did they understand how much they were spot on, and how much he continued to impact those he encountered. 
When each day was over (typically sundown), we would get to spend time in our “hotel” room catching up on the day and discussing our lives back in the U.S. it was more like a hut but whatever. On several nights Robert wanted to call home and speak to his parents but his phone didn’t work, so I offered him my phone with an agreement to settle up any charges when we got home (this was before future teams got smart and bought local phone minutes). Little did I know when I got that bill the next month that not only did Robert use more call time than I remembered (maybe he called when I fell asleep) but TMobile was charging $1/minute! Put it this way, there were a few hours of air time on that bill. Eeek; however, I never told Robert about the bill - my relationship with him was worth every minute. 
This is the trip where I asked Robert one day, at our daily devotionals, what does the Bible say our job is as God’s children. Robert turned to Micah 6:8. “And what does God require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.”  This has been my theme verse, my go-to verse ever since. Every time I read it I recall that conversation in Kenya. 
One last memory of this trip. Robert and I sat beside each other on the plane ride back to the U.S. I recall falling asleep on his shoulder for who knows how long. Never thought anything unusual about it. That is classic Robert. A comforter and a shoulder you could lean on. I never use past tense when talking about Robert. He is still very present and continues to be my friend and confidant.

It is impossible to think of Robert without having your heart swell outside of your chest! His compassion was genuine, his joy was contagious, and his talents led each of us into the very presence of God. Every member of our family had a unique and special connection with Robert, ones we will cherish forever.
In the spring of 2016, Mt. Bethel School of the Arts was to perform the musical Annie and Robert was kind enough to play the role of Daddy Warbucks. Molly was cast as Annie and was able to perform with Robert. Practicing singing and dancing with him was almost as much fun as the actual performance for Molly! He was awesome with the cast (all under the age of 10) by calming nerves and having fun with them behind the scenes! Robert had truly become Daddy Warbucks to the kids in the musical.
The last rehearsal before opening night, there was quite a scandal involving Robert! It was revealed that several of the youngest kids in the cast had observed Daddy Warbucks giving Mrs. McMichael a hug and a kiss before school! Watching a rarely speechless Robert defend and explain himself to twenty giggling, inquisitive six-year-old girls was an image I will never forget! A blushing Reverend McMichael!
Robert had a loving kindness that made him so incredibly approachable. Over the years, I ran into Robert at Publix dozens of times. I often gave him a hard time about being the Mayor of Publix and how hard life must be when you’re a local celebrity - always greeting others with warmth and a willingness to chat it up! One thing I am certain of, Robert NEVER had a quick trip to the grocery store!

Whether Robert was whipping up something delicious on the grill for the neighbors, singing The Star Spangled Banner at the 4th of July pool party or leading the neighborhood Christmas carols, or braving the ice with his wife to throw ice melt on my driveway after my husband slipped and hit his head, he was truly someone you could count on to be there, no matter the circumstances. He made me laugh, he made me cry, he gave the warmest hugs, and he loved his family. He always said hello, even if it was just in quick passing as he walked by my classroom to take Dina a Starbucks, and he made everyone instantly feel like a friend. I will always miss his presence, his smile, and that incredible voice.

My favorite memories of Robert are making music with him. He poured his heart and soul into every note. Especially memorable is a duet of, "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me", we did for a Sunday morning service. We talked about doing it again but never got the chance. I know he is walking with Jesus today.

There is something about this day, February 19! My Grandmother (Maiden Name – McMichael) was born on this day and then I have a cousin and Trey (Both First Name Robert) that went home to be with the Lord on this day. WOW!!! I am Blessed to have had them all a part of my life and to know that they all were saved before going home with the Lord.
Although Trey was younger, I strive to be half the Mighty Man of God that he was here on Earth. His First Love was to the Lord and because of that you couldn't tell where the Love stop and started for Dina and all them Babies! LOL His Love will forever be with us all.

All you needed to know about this man was the love he had for family. It showed in his everyday life. He always had a smile on his face. He loved his role as husband, son, and father. I know how much he was loved back and how he is so missed. An example for us all.

The summer of 2015 our daughter Lexi (a student at MBCA) was in the ICU at Scottish Rite hospital for a month. She was on continuous dialysis with complete kidney failure. The disease was winning the fight. Robert was one of the first MBCA staff to come and visit her. She was depressed and she really wouldn’t see many visitors. But she wanted to see “Pastor McMichael”. His presence calmed her and we could visibly see the peace wash over her when he held her hands and prayed. From that day on, she finally began to fight for her life. I don’t know if Robert ever really knew just how powerful the Holy Spirit had worked through him that day. I will never forget that moment and will forever be thankful to Robert and to God for placing him in our lives. F O R E V E R. What a powerful man of God!

That smile - that wonderful, slightly mischievous and totally contagious smile. 
That voice - given to him from above and touched every one fortunate enough to hear him sing.
That soul - it was impossible not to worship when Robert was singing or preaching. God was with him and God was with us.
A great man taken from us way too soon.

“Forever Missed” can’t begin to describe it today, tomorrow or this time next year.
I love you forever Big Little Brother.

I was fortunate to be working part time at Mt Bethel some of the years Robert was there. After Logan was born, I loved seeing him carrying that tiny bundle around or walking past his office and seeing the two of them! I also sing in the choir and just too many great memories to count. Like everyone else, miss him so much.

I have so many memories of Robert at Mt. Bethel, but one of my favorites was when he led the Children's Moments with the Minister on September 25, 2011. My son, Alex (age 4 at that time) had the bucket that day. I wanted Alex to bring a project he made at preschool, but he insisted on bringing cars. Robert's message was perfect. Here is my Facebook post from that day: 
"Hi Robert! You did such an awesome job with Alex's cars this morning during the Children's Moments with the Minister. I have to tell you that last night Alex and I were talking about what to put in the bucket, and I was doing everything I could to convince him to take the apple project he made at preschool. No luck...he insisted on the cars. But the message you shared about needing to "pick up" God's people was meaningful and it made me realize that He speaks to us through even the youngest children so that we might understand His Word even better."
We love and miss Robert every day. I'm so grateful for Facebook because it allows us to see and share the many memories we have of him. His preaching, his music, and his passion can still be experienced by all.

I did not know Robert very well personally but loved hearing his amazing voice at Mt. Bethel. My mom and I both so enjoyed hearing him start off the service and especially sing solos or duets during church. Always engaging the whole congregation. I remember when Dina started coming to Sunday School in Couples in Christ....then finding out she and Robert were dating. I immediately thought they were a beautiful couple and was so happy for both of them. I used to work in Assisted Living and was very close with my resident Nell Chapman. She passed away a couple of years ago and I attended the funeral. I was so emotional during the beginning of the service as her family spoke of our close relationship. I looked up and saw it was Robert playing the organ. It was such a comfort and his music moved everyone. He touched so many lives and will never be forgotten ♡♡♡

No one could lead a service like Robert. He was in control of the tenor of the service with his contagious joy. No matter who preached, it was going to be good with Robert there but boy could he preach. His voice , his joy and his faith was infectious. How we miss Robert!