09/24/2024
Robert Smith Trinkle, 90, of Plant City, Florida, passed to eternity on September 20, 2024.
Robert was born on May 3, 1934, to John Raymond Trinkle and Vivian Smith Trinkle. Robert dedicated his life to caring for those around him through his immense generosity and quiet wisdom. His philanthropic spirit and humility were hallmarks of his character, earning him the admiration and respect of all who knew him.
He graduated from Plant City High School in 1952, where he was the Co-Captain of the “Plant City Planters” Southwestern Conference championship football team – All Conference Center. Graduate of Indiana University B.S., with high distinction, in 1955. Member of Beta Gamma Sigma scholastic, honorary, and Delta Tau Delta social fraternity. Graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Juris Doctorate, 1958. Honorary Doctor of Public Service, Florida Southern College, 2000.
Former President of Trinkle, Redman, Coton, P.A.; Former member of the Florida Bar; Executive Council of the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section; Pro Bono Service Award, 2006; Assistant County Attorney, 1963-1969; Fellow American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; former Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Attorney’s Title Insurance Fund; Director & Secretary of Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan Association. Trustee and former Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Florida Southern College; former member of the Board of Directors South Florida Baptist Hospital and Chairman of Finance Committee; former Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Baptist Healthcare, 2004; past President of Florida Strawberry Festival; Citizen of the Year 1966; Chancellor of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, 1980-1997; President of the Florida United Methodist Church Foundation, 1975-1978; 1st Lieutenant Florida National Guard Battery “B” Plant City; Boy Scout Distinguished Citizen, 2005; Plant City Photo Archives Heritage Award, 2006 and many other community leadership positions.
An avid tennis player, Robert enjoyed many spirited matches with his friends on his backyard court. He found joy in exploring the world through travel, reading Biblical literature and devotedly cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, kindness, and unwavering support for his family and community. Robert is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John R. Trinkle along with his son, John Robert Trinkle. He is survived by his adoring wife, Ann Hammer Trinkle, along with his four daughters and their spouses: Amy Trinkle Greene (Tim Greene), Margaret Trinkle Briggs (Andrew Briggs), Rebecca Trinkle Rothman (Mark Rothman), Beth Harrell Early, and thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
In celebration of Robert’s remarkable life, his family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church at 303 N Evers St, Plant City, FL 33563 on Monday, September 30, 2024. Visitation to begin at 5:00 P.M. and service to follow at 6:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to South Florida Baptist Hospital, reflecting Robert's commitment to caring for the Plant City community. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
