Dean Robinson

Robinson, Bethel Dean , age 84, of Mt. Juliet, TN, died Wednesday, February 12, 2025, surrounded by love. Dean was born in Old Hickory, TN. He always said with a mischievous grin that he was the favorite child of the late, Horace Hale Robinson and Ola Demeris Smith Robinson. He learned what a successful marriage consisted of by witnessing the respect and devotion they had for one another. Dean was the definition of a loving husband. He gave his wife, Angela Robinson, a lifetime of love and laughter in the short eleven years they shared together in a peaceful cabin in the woods. He was many things to many people over his lifetime but most of all, he was a good compassionate human.

A lifelong lover of education, Dean majored in Chemistry at the University of Tennessee before deciding life in a lab was not what he wanted. He transferred to Belmont University and received a master’s degree in history. He studied the Greek language and Theology. He dedicated many years as a professor, inspiring countless students with his wisdom and encouragement at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and Panola Junior College (now Panola College) in Carthage, Texas. His proudest achievement was when he championed integregation by being an ally and sponsored the race relations club which brought black and white students together to socialize and learn from one another. He believed strongly in equal access to justice and equality.

Dean did not consider himself religious but more of a critical thinker who enjoyed studying the Bible as well as Apocrypha and other non-canonical books. He faithfully and joyfully taught a Sunday School class at Cooks United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet for at least 43 years. His last lesson was given on February 2, 2025, and was over the introduction to the Book of Thomas. That morning, as he did most Sunday mornings, Dean reminded his class of the words of his favorite philosopher, Peter Abelard, “To doubt is to inquire and to inquire is to find truth.” He lived by this philosophy believing a good teacher does not tell his students what to think, but rather how to question, think for themselves, and find truth.

Dean was an attorney who zealously represented his clients. He received his law degree in 1974 from Memphis State University College of Law (now University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law). He practiced law from 1974 until 2025 tirelessly working to make the world just and fair. He was also a counselor to his clients when the law fell short of a fair outcome. When meeting him, he would ask you not to hold being a lawyer against him and would delight in telling all the best lawyer jokes time allowed. He was not pretentious and considered himself a country boy who loved his Copenhagen.

He began as a general practice attorney winning a Federal Civil Rights suit for his client, Jane M. Hooper, based on sex discrimination in violation of Title VII when she was wrongfully discharged in 1975. This victory was reported in the Tennessean newspaper. He was never afraid of speaking truth to power and was a powerful advocate using the law to help people. Making friends wherever life led him, he was always eager to give life or legal advice, the latter often at no expense.

Dean eventually specialized in property law, opening Horizon Land Title in 2005 with Tina Brown and the help of other investors who all became his dear friends. Horizon was at the forefront of the real estate development boom in Mt. Juliet and has facilitated over 8,000 real estate transactions in their twenty years of business. Horizon won Business of the Year in 2006 from Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce. Horizon is committed to continue Dean’s legacy by providing excellent service to realtors and their clients.

In his leisure time, Dean loved music and watched Mark Knopfler (lead guitarist for Dire Straits) play The Sultans of Swing and Walk of Life live on YouTube regularly. He saw Elvis Presley once in concert and was taken to meet him backstage but always quipped when he went back that, “Elvis had left the building” and laughed at the irony.

Dean was an avid golfer playing many world-renowned courses but considered playing with professional Pro Eller and Jackie Farley at Old Hickory Golf Club the best time of his life. He loved watching UT Vols Football and Basketball with his Son-in-law, Jason and UT Lady Vols basketball before and after Pat Summit’s reign. Always drawn to people, Dean was known for his warm welcoming spirit and big hugs.

In addition to his parents, Dean was also preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Robinson; son, Troy Sawvell; nephew, Barry Robinson; and siblings Wayne Robinson, Billy Robinson (wife-Joan Robinson), Louie Robinson, Jackie Deal Robinson, and Delores Robinson.

Dean is survived by:

Wife – Angela Denise Robinson

Stepsons – Caleb Jones (fiancé – Addison Whitten), Joshua Jones, and Gabriel Jones

Mother-in-law – Brenda Smallwood and her husband (late) Ricky Smallwood

Brother-in-law and his wife – Derrick Smallwood and Lindsey Smallwood

Sister-in-law – Sharon Kay Johnson and her daughters Melody and Christen Johnson

Niece and Nephew – Lilliana Smallwood and Darius Smallwood

Sister-in-law – Joyce Robinson

Niece and Nephew – Sherry Burns, RN, and husband, Dr. Gerald Burns

Great Niece – Bonnie Lachowicz, and husband, Arthur Lachowicz

Great-Great Nieces and Nephew – Madison, Brooklyn, Kai, and Skylar Lachowicz

Daughters (in love) – Tina Brown and Cassie Karsten

Son-in-law and friend – Jason Loggins

Daughter – Dana Loggins

Grandchildren – Radley (fiance' - Brittany Cantarino) Loggins and Lindsey Loggins

Great-granddaughter – Maisie Kay Weist

Nieces – Leslie (Dee) Jordan, Melody, and Tracy

Nieces – Cindy Robinson, Cassie Fishbein, and Christy Robinson

Brothers – Jeff Robinson and Scott Robinson

A time and date for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please leave your favorite memory of Dean to honor his contribution to your life.

Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, 1098 Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN.     (615) 773-2663, www.bondmemorial.com