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Home
> Robert Johnson Tapscott, I
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Memorial for Robert Johnson Tapscott, I
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Born in Houston, Texas on Feb. 14, 1936
Departed on Mar. 6, 2016 and resided in Austin,, TX.
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| Visitation: |
Friday, Mar. 11, 2016
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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| Service: |
Saturday, Mar. 12, 2016
11:00 am
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Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
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Robert Tapscott was one of thirteen children born to John W. and Annie M. Tapscott. Whether as a singer, golfer, church leader, or businessman, "Tap" as he was affectionately known was a true renaissance man long before that phrase was coined.
Robert Tapscott graduated from Phyllis Wheatley high school in 1948. He attended and later graduated from Tennessee State University. Following his graduation, Tap dedicated his talents to helping 5th ward students in Houston at the Julia C. Hester House where he served as athletic director. Hester House later named their pool as the "Robert Tapscott Aquatic Center" in honor of his service. In 1963 he became the first black parole officer in the State of Texas. Following a series of promotions, he became Director of Parole Supervision with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Under his leadership and directorship, Texas became noted as the top parole system in the United States.
His singing talents first became apparent when he was a boy soprano singing solos in many childhood choirs. At Tennessee State he was not only a noted singer, but also a Drum Major known for his strut. As his extraordinary voice mellowed, people all over the United States marveled at his rich bass tones. For example, Tap was noted for singing a truly memorable rendition of "Old Man River" at Carnegie Hall. As he continued in demand, Tap often sang at fraternity meetings where he enjoyed the fellowship of the fraternal brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for more than 64 years. One thing is clear, those that had the pleasure of hearing Tap will attest to his unique musical talents.
When Tapscott moved to Austin his teams routinely won local golf tournaments as he used his signature bright pink ball to become recognized as a masterful putter. Once in Austin, Tap was introduced to the Austin music scene through a chance encounter with another great Austin musician, Geneva Rawlins when he went to hear her well-known house band called "Geneva and the Gentlemen" sing at a local venue. Never bashful, Tapscott introduced himself to Geneva and in a scene right out of a musical, joined them in singing several impromptu tunes to the grateful crowd lucky enough to have selected that night to attend.
Loyal to the end, Tap was married for 65 years to his college sweetheart Margaret. Each year they would many spend many days in the Spring watching the girl's state championship games as a way of honoring his dear Margaret's legacy as an All State girls' basketball player.
Robert Tapscott was a former long term member of the Finance committee for Wesley UMC church and also a valued member of the Wesley Intergenerational Choir. He closed every Wesley Christmas Eve service by singing his own unique version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". In his final days, the lyric of "faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more" could not have been more appropriate as he was visited by many of the people whose lives he had touched.
Preceding him in death are his parents John Wesley Tapscott and Annie Mae (Smallwood) Tapscott. Siblings Carl Mack, Johnnie Mae Harrison, Maxine Tapscott, Ruth Cotton, Marian Regis and Norman Tapscott.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Margaret Tapscott, two sons Robert Tapscott II (Sandra), Jonathan Tapscott (Yvonne) and one daughter Jacqueline Tapscott McAfee. Two Godsons Gregory Maxwell and Shannon Lewis. Three brothers James Tapscott (Connie), Richard Tapscott (Carolyn) and John Tapscott. One sister Doris McWashington. Ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, one great great grand daughter, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Robert selected before his death Dr. Barry J.W. "The Shepherd" Franklin, CFSP at A Life Celebration By Franklin to fulfill his final earthly celebration.
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