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Robert Burns Templin, 81, formerly of Demopolis, passed away after a brief illness, Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 in Foley, Alabama.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rosalyn; children, Robert Jr. and Dale Templin of Jacksonville, Florida and Mary Allison and Scott Altorfer of Houston, Texas; brother, George Templin of Birmingham; and a sister, Susan Lazenby of Monroeville. His grandchildren are Robert Templin III and his wife, Samantha, and William Templin, and Madeline, Reed, and Davis Altorfer.

Robert was born Feb. 3, 1938, in Century, Florida to Robert V. Templin and Lois Burns Templin. He graduated in 1956 from Murphy High School in Mobile, then from Samford University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts, and from the University of Alabama with a master’s degree in school administration.  He also obtained additional specialty certifications in education administration. He married Rosalyn Cogle August 24, 1963.  Robert began his teaching career in 1964 at Monroe County High School in Monroeville. Robert and his family moved to Demopolis in 1966, where he began a career with the Demopolis City School System that spanned over 30 years in positions from principal to assistant superintendent.

After his retirement in 1997, Robert enjoyed traveling, boating, and improving his beautiful waterfront home in Lillian, Alabama.  He also enjoyed working part-time time at the Avis Car Rental office in the Pensacola Airport for several years during his retirement. Robert loved meeting, conversing with, and interacting with people throughout his life. It could truly be said that he never met a stranger.  Years after his retirement, Robert continued to maintain ongoing contact with teachers and students he encountered throughout his career in education. His wife and children remember him as a kind, gentle, and loving husband and father.  He always encouraged his children to pursue their educations, careers, the enjoyment of their families, and to maintain their trust and faith in God.

Robert loved automobiles since his childhood, and he often visited car shows, car auctions, and dealerships, pouring over specifications and exploring the new models’ features. Over the years, he also built a large collection of scale model classic cars which he displayed in his home office.  He was an active and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Demopolis where he served as a deacon, and he later joined the Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.  He also enjoyed volunteering with the Jaycees, the Marengo County Historic Society, and the Campus on Mission of Alabama.

Visitation was held Monday, Dec. 23, from 11:30-12:45 at the Monroeville First United Methodist Church, in Barnett Hall.

A graveside service followed at 1 p.m. from Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. Rev. Micah Gandy officiated the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association, Gideons International, or to the Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola in support of its Mission Village. We would like to thank our family and friends for their outpouring of love and support.

Johnson Funeral Home is charge of all arrangements.