Deacon Robert Tomlin, Sr., affectionately known by many as 'Joe Louis' was born to the late Abram Tomlin Sr. and Mary Jackson-Tomlin in Sumter County. Born on April 8, 1938, As one of nine children and a twin to the late Roland Tomlin Sr., he spent his days attending public schools in the Sumter area and was later employed at Santee Print Works for 30 years. On June 17, 1961, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Bell Daniels, of Sumter. To this union, four children were born. His plumbing, carpentry, and design expertise were utilized throughout the community for years until his health began to decline. He was called from labor to rest on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at his home.

At an early age, Deacon Tomlin gave his life to Christ as a faithful, active member of Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church where he served in many capacities: Vice chairman of the Deacon Board; member of the Trustee Board; member of the Inspirational Choir, Male Chorus and Senior Choir; Sunday school teacher; usher; member of Senior Citizen Ministry; member of the Building Committee; member of the Historian Committee; member of the Prayer Band; and a Pastor's aid. For the community, he was member of the Wateree Association – Lower Division, President of the Association Choir, Association Board member and a recipient of the Pioneer of the Year Award in 2011. Also, his work with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years received great recognition and numerous awards. He was a devoted life member of the NAACP where he received the Marvin Scarborough Community Award in 2012.

He leaves to cherish fond memories his loving wife of 60 years, four children, Loretta (Anthony) Rembert, Robert Tomlin Jr., Bernard Tomlin, and Deidre (Robert) Maple, of Sumter; four grandchildren, Jameka Rembert, of Charleston, Nikki Rembert, of Snellville, G.A., Traiven (Vanessa) Maple and Alaysha Maple, of Sumter; three sister-in-laws, Jeannie (Alfred) Williams, of Sumter, who was reared in the home, Elouise Gordon, of Freeport, N.Y., and Ciara (Roderick) Brown, of Charlotte, N.C.; adopted son, Major (Sharon) Scott; adopted daughter, Sherry Glasscho; a god-daughter, Miranda Richardson; six step-grandchildren and four adopted grandchildren; one special cousin/sister, Vernice Dukes, and a special niece, Patricia Dukes; and a host of loving, caring nieces and nephews who loved their 'Unk Joe Louis' very much.

In addition of his parents, he was preceded in death by six sisters, Katie Bell Williams, Julia Dukes, Maggie Levine, Ida Washington, Mary E. Tomlin, Addie T. Williams, and his two brothers, Abram Tomlin Jr. and Roland Tomlin Sr.

Public viewing will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon, Monday, March 14, 2022 at Salem Chapel and Heritage Center 101 South Salem Avenue, Sumter, SC 29150

Interment will follow in Mulberry Cemetery

Family will be receiving friends at the home, 1005 Nathaniel Street, Sumter, SC 29150 FROM 2-8PM DAILY.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at: jobsmortuaryinc@gmail.com or visit us on the web at: www.jobsmortuary.net.