Clifford DeWayne Robinson

Clifford “Cliff” DeWayne Robinson passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at his home in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 11, 1960, in Portland, Arkansas, to Lee E. Robinson, Sr., and Christine Robinson, he moved with his family to Portland, Oregon, in 1964. He cherished his role as the big brother to Lee, Jr., and Kimberly.

A man of deep faith, Cliff was strongly influenced by Bishop W. L. McKinney at McKinney Temple and Elder Thomas at St. Luke Church of God in Christ. He graduated from Grant High School in 1978 and soon enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Communication Specialist and rising to the rank of Sergeant. His greatest joy in the Army was serving as a Drill Sergeant, where he inspired countless young enlistees. He retired from the Army in 1994. Cliff then worked as a Corrections Officer and Counselor for the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Oregon, retiring a second time in 2014.

In 1982, Cliff married the love of his life, Debra White. Together they raised three children: Terrance Joe, Nicholas DeWayne, and Zoe Simone. A devoted family man, he was the unofficial videographer for every family gathering and vacation, carefully preserving memories by transferring old DHS videos to DVD. He was the family storyteller and keeper of traditions, always making sure everyone felt welcome and enjoyed themselves. An avid sports fan, Cliff loved watching his nephew Daniel play football, following boxing, and discussing games with friends, especially those involving the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, Terrance “Joe Boy,” Nicholas “Nick,” and Zoe “Zoe Bean,” all of Portland; his brother Lee (Rose) and sister Kimberly Green (David); seven grandchildren, Terrance, Josiah, Tylese, Makayla, Jaden, Jaylen, and Tamya; two great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Kairo; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandmother Lula May Jones, and his aunt and uncle Sarah and Jesse Jones.

He was a benevolent and selfless man who loved, cared for, and respected others unconditionally, and he was deeply loved in return.