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.
8 Comments To "Colonel William (Robby) Thomas Robinson"
#1 Comment By Peggy G. Bevels On September 18, 2012 @ 6:50 pm
To the Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss but know you must have a wealth of wonderful memories to help sustain you during this very difficult time.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God Comfort and Bless You.
#2 Comment By Marvin and Jane Douglas On September 18, 2012 @ 11:01 pm
We are thinking of you completely throughout the day. Robby was such a wonderful person and inspiration to those around him. He will be missed by all of us in the Rodgers extended families. All our girls send their love and prayers. May God be with you.
#3 Comment By Peter and Lyn Updike On September 19, 2012 @ 6:13 pm
Our dearest friend for over half a century has left us to return home. How many wonderful times of caring and laughing we have shared together. Thank you, dear Robby, for the joy of being part of your life.
#4 Comment By Kathryn Knight On September 20, 2012 @ 12:17 pm
Farewell, Pa.
Your music lives on through your kids and grandkids.
Your books live on through millions of young readers.
Your humor and laughter lives on in the memories of all your good friends.
Thank you for your service to America.
Thank you for teaching us to sing in four-part harmony.
Thank you for teaching me to dance.
We miss you greatly.
Kaddles
#5 Comment By Suzi Alexander On September 20, 2012 @ 3:54 pm
Papa…these are the things I will never forget and will forever remind me of you….
Chatting with toll booth operators
Donald Duck
Scenic views on foggy days
Turning the heat up on sweltering days
Air Force fighter jets
Hookum Snookum Hibiddy Catchemall
Gilbert and Sullivan
Singing in 4 part harmony
Love Me Darling and the World is Mine
It is Well with my Soul
In the Garden
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
The Bill Gaither Trio
Dancing the Jitterbug
Sticking parsley up our noses
Napping through golf matches
Playing chess
our walk down the aisle
Clever puns
Clever anything……I miss you, Papa.
Snookabug
#6 Comment By Debbie Clements On September 22, 2012 @ 3:10 am
My sweet Aunt Georgie, I am so sorry to hear of Robby’s passing. He was such a good person and so smart. I know this from the happiness he brought to your life! He is in heaven looking down on you and will always be in your heart and the hearts of those who loved him. I am sorry I could not be there for theservices but know I love u very much and am thinking of you. Sending prayers up for all!
#7 Comment By Iva Lee and Junior True On September 22, 2012 @ 2:59 pm
Dear Sister,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We wish that we could be with you during this time. Robby was a wonderful man and will be truly missed. We love you.
#8 Comment By Valerie Chaney On September 22, 2012 @ 3:10 pm
Georgie,
I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with you and Robby at Hope Lodge. Robby and I were both going throught the “cancer” issues at the same time. It seemed to complete the bonding that had started between Robby and me after your marriage. I remember his beautiful smile, great sense of humor, and love for golf. Take care of yourself and remember how much I love you and Robby.