Robert Mason Linkins

Robert M. Linkins went home to be with the Lord at the grand old age of 99…only 34 days before this 100th birthday. He was preceded in death by his parents, William P and Marie (Streeks) Linkins; his wife, Robbi; and his brother SGT William P. Linkins, Jr. USMC 4th Marine Division, KIA, July 25, 1944, on Tinian – Northern Marianas Islands, Pacific Theater, World War II. Dad is now joyfully reunited with his brother Bill. 

Robert is survived by his daughter/caregiver, Cindy (David) Wilson, Maryville; grandsons, Jack (Katie) Wilson, Santa Clarita, California and namesake-Major Robert (Robb) Wilson and his wife, Kayla, USAF Las Vegas, Nevada and two great-grandsons, Boden James Wilson and Cade Patrick Wilson. Robert is also survived by his son, Dr. Robert Linkins, Atlanta, Georgia; grandson, Aidan Linkins, San Diego, California; daughter-in-law, Dr. Janet McNicholl, Atlanta, Georgia.

Robert was born in Washington, DC and spent most of his life in Montgomery County, Maryland. He adopted Maryville, Tennessee as his hometown 10 ½ years ago. He loved southern culture, southern food especially at church suppers, and the wonderful people of East Tennessee. He loved the grateful hearts of all those who recognized his service as a World War II veteran. He also like the attention, the handshakes, and the free food on Veterans Day. Thank you to Applebee’s, Chili’s, and IHOP!

Robert was drafted into the US ARMY at the end of his Junior Year of high school. He was able to complete his senior year and graduate by attending summer school before marching off to war in August 1943.

Robert served with the 289th Engineer Combat Battalion XXI Corps of the Seventh Army. He fought during the invasion of Germany specifically at the Ludendorff Bridge. It was the last bridge standing over the Rhine River between the Allies and the Nazi’s. After the war, he went to college and graduated from The University of Maryland with a major in History and did graduate work at Towson University in Political Science. He was a retired Montgomery County Public Schools teacher. He taught for 30 years. 

Thanks to all of you who have been a tremendous support during my dad’s lengthy battles of aging and illness. To my husband, sons and their wives – thank you for your amazing and unrelenting love and support. Thank you to all the Blount Home Health and Hospice nurses and staff. You are the best! Thank you to our friends, neighbors, Tuesday Night Small Group, Joy Seekers, Golf buddies, God’s Gals, and study buddies. Thank you for your faithfulness and encouragement. A special thanks to our Pastor Parker Benson whose visits always encouraged dad. Heartfelt thanks to beloved friends, Robert and Lloyd Ann Sheets, Stephanie and Tom Impellittiere, and Jan and Dan McCoy. Finally, a special thanks to THE SITTERS – Mary, Shirley, Tammy, and Tracy! You made dad’s life calm and comfortable. Thanks for all the HOT coffee, fried eggs, danish with lots of butter, the 2:30 am brownies and ice cream, and Mary’s delicious homemade chocolate pie and out of this world mashed potatoes.

Chapel service and burial will be held on October 14, 2024, at 8:30 am at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery – 220 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, Tennessee. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse Hurricane Helene Relief for TN/NC or True Purpose Ministries, Dane’s House or The McCoy Maternal Home, Maryville, TN.

Thank you to Linda Whitehead and the staff at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home for their help and tender care.