Robert Joseph Robinson

Robert J. Robinson, 87, of Asheville, passed away on April 27, 2024. He was the son of Marvin Curtis Robinson and Lucile Carmichael Robinson. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anne Buchanan Robinson, and by his sons, Robert J. Robinson, Jr., Jonathan Jay Robinson (Kelly McCanless) and his daughter, Elizabeth R. Ruth (the late Wayne Ruth), and by two grandsons, Gray Buchanan Martin, and Walker Joseph Martin. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Audrey Keane Robinson of Charleston, SC, Sue Buchanan Emanuelson (the late Dwight Emanuelson) and Nancy Buchanan Crane (Stephen Crane). He is preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Curtis Robinson, and sister, Mildred Elizabeth Robinson. A native of Asheville, Mr. Robinson attended public schools, graduating from Lee Edwards High School in 1954, and received his AA from Mars Hill College in 1956. He achieved his BA from Wake Forest College in 1958 and was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest Law School in 1960. Following a clerkship with Judge Wilson Warlick, US District Federal Court Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, he engaged in the private practice of law in Asheville. In 1962, he was appointed by Robert F. Kennedy to preside as an Assistant US Attorney until 1964. He then became associated with the firm of Patla, Straus, Robinson & Moore, PA. of Asheville. He was dedicated to his law practice as an Associate, Partner, Stockholder, and President until his retirement in 2020. Professionally, Mr. Robinson served as President of the 28th Judicial District Bar in 1978 and served as a Member of the State Bar Council as a Representative of the 28th District for 8 years, beginning in 1984. He served as President of the NC State Bar in 1993-1994. During his tenure as President of the Bar, he was instrumental in the reorganization of the Positive Action for Lawyers (PALS) Committee, which offers assistance to lawyers impaired by chemical dependency. He also served on the State Bar’s Client Security Fund Board as Chairman in 1991. He was a member and chairman of the Bar’s Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Board in 2003 and served in the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association from 1996 - 2000. He was honored to act as an NC delegate in attendance at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, IL. Mr. Robinson was a devoted Presbyterian in faith, belonging to the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Asheville. He served as an Elder, a Deacon, Treasurer, and as a Sunday School Teacher during the many years he attended First Presbyterian Church. His dedication and civic duty to the Asheville and Buncombe County community included serving on the Board of Advisors of Mars Hill University, Trustee of Montreat-Anderson College, Board Member of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, The Health Adventure, Civic Arts Council of Asheville, The Asheville Symphony, and The Asheville Community Theatre. He was Chairman of the Buncombe County Democratic Executive Committee 1966-1968. Not giving up over time, he served as the Democratic Precinct Chair well into his 70’s. Athletically, “Bobby” excelled. A three-letter athlete at Lee Edwards High School and Mars Hill College, he thoroughly enjoyed his positions as quarterback, point guard, and pitcher. He was inducted into the Mars Hill College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth for twelve years and imprinted his knowledge and love for the game of baseball on all who were involved. During these years, he also mastered the game of tennis, where he greatly enjoyed simply hitting the ball or competing for a trophy. On Friday nights, you would find him on the Chain Crew for the Asheville High School home football games from 1977-2013. In his later years, croquet was his game of choice. Matching his dedication to his profession, his love of sports, and his faith was his devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Mr. Robinson was the definition of a family man. His ability to support all the many varied interests of each child earned him the endearing term, “Mr. Grand”, from his two grandsons. From ballgames, matches, and meets to recitals, camps, and graduations, he was there. His ideal evening was on the porch with his family, enjoying a meal, highlighted with the vegetables from his beloved garden. Working in the soil and tending to his harvest was a true passion that he discovered mid-life and continued throughout his lifetime. Also, on the porch would be one of his loyal canine companions, as he truly appreciated the friendship of a dog. With him every step of the way, since the age of 16, was Anne. Even in the last days of his fierce fight with cancer, he would light up when she walked into the room. They were sweethearts, a romance that was rare, true, and beautiful. Her support of all his achievements and endeavors took many forms to fading in later years to merely holding hands while they watched ballgames or him reading scripture to her in the evening. Theirs was a bond like no other. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Physicians, Nurses, CNAs, Techs, Hospice of WNC, and all who supported Mr. Robinson throughout his medical journey over the past few years. “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.” Irish Blessing Funeral service is scheduled for this Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Asheville. Memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Asheville or the Athletic Department of Mars Hill University.

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Robert Joseph Robinson

November 7, 1936 - April 27, 2024