William Edward Robinson, Sr.

“WHAT LIES BEHIND US AND WHAT LIES BEFORE US ARE TINY MATTERS COMPARED TO WHAT LIES WITHIN US.”  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

As we mourn the death of William Edward Robinson (Bill), we celebrate a life well lived. Bill died Tuesday June ninth leaving his love and best friend, Elsie, whom he met on a blind date fifty nine years ago.  Also surviving Bill is his son, Eddie.

Additional survivors include a brother James H. Robinson and wife Norma and Donna S. Robinson, as well as additional relatives and family of friends.

Bill was a proud Marine and loved his country. After enjoying his career as Regional Purchasing Manager with Ethan Allen, Inc., Bill retired with over thirty years of service. Being very active and involved, Bill enjoyed many activities including serving on the Board of Directors of Foothills Industries and Board of Directors for the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, Purchasing Division.  As a member of First Baptist Church, Old Fort, Bill served in many capacities including designing and building the bell tower at the church.  Bill was awarded Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition “For outstanding and valuable service to the community” by Congressman Charles H. Taylor.

For three years Bill was a happy participant in the adult day program at Care Partners Asheville. As Bill’s health continued to decline he became a resident of Rose Hill Retirement Community in Marion where he received outstanding care and support from Tracy Makela and Nancy Wheeler and their staff.  Bill also received exemplary care by his nurse Luanne Walker and the staff of Hospice of Carolina Foothills.

Preceding Bill in death is his father James Robinson and mother Ethel Robinson, brother John L. Robinson and sister Sybil Padgett.

The body will lie in state Thursday, June eleventh from five to seven in the evening at Beam Funeral Service for those wishing to pay their respects. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to Hospice of Carolina Foothills, 374 Hudlow Road, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or First Baptist Church Bell Tower Fund, PO Box 10, Old Fort, North Carolina 28762.

And a quote from Bill:

“THERE IS SUCH JOY WHEN YOU CAN HELP PUT A SMILE ON SOMEONE’S FACE KNOWING THROUGH GOD YOU HELPED CHANGE A FROWN TO A SMILE.”