Colonel William T. Robinson
Colonel William (Robby) Thomas Robinson, Retired USAF, 76, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of September 16, 2012. He was born March 5, 1936, in Rome, New York, the son of William Stanley and Irene Thomas Robinson. Colonel Robinson served for 25 distinguished years in the Air Force, flying 100 missions in the Vietnam War. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. Colonel Robinson served as the Air Force liaison for NATO at the State Department, and Aerospace Maintenance Director at Mather AFB. Upon retirement from active duty, he worked for American General Life, and then retired to a life of golf, good times with dear friends, old and new, and authoring nine adaptations of classic literature for children for Dalmatian Press.
A lifelong Methodist, Robby was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fayetteville, Tenn., where he served in the choir. Music was one of his greatest joys. He sang and toured with the Colgate 13 of Colgate University, from which he graduated in 1957 with a degree in English. He enjoyed making chords ring in many a barbershop quartet, and, with his family, he formed a gospel/bluegrass group. Robby also performed on stage in Gilbert and Sullivan productions, blending his talents of singing and acting with his spirited sense of humor.
Colonel Robinson is survived by his wife Georgeanna (Georgia) Rodgers Robinson; son William Steven (Alison) Robinson of Gallatin, Tenn.; daughters Kathryn A. (Woodie) Knight of Franklin, Tenn., and Suzanne E. (Tim) Alexander of Mechanicsville, Va.; stepsons Shannon Sharp of Rogersville, Tenn., and Sheldon (Kimber) Sharp of Tullahoma, Tenn.; nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Jean Smith, and brother-in-law, The Reverend Frank I. Smith. His family and friends will miss his warmth and playful wit, but rejoice that he now graces heaven with his humor and harmony.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Fayetteville on Saturday, September 22, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Thomas Ward officiating. Visitation will be Friday, September 21, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 200 North Elk Ave, Fayetteville, TN, 37334, the American Cancer Society Memorial Foundation Hope Lodge, 2008 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203, or a charity of your choice.