Thomas Avery Robinson

Thomas Avery Robinson, age 93, of Eden, received God’s Heavenly Embrace at the end of his Earthly Journey Thursday, April 3, 2025 at UNC Rockingham Health Care.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 533 Greenwood Street, Eden. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be given by Rockingham County Veterans Honor Guard at First Baptist Church following the service. Inurnment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include Daughters: Susan R. Arrington, Debbie R. Landrum, Valerie R. Tilley (Mike), Elaine R. Wise (David).

Grandchildren: Kristen Robinson, Randy Robinson, Andrew Tilley, Nick Tilley (Abbie), Alex Wise (Jessica Stowe), and several great grandchildren.

Brothers: Graham (Bonnie) and Jim (Laura) and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was born in Greensboro, NC on September 21, 1931, the son of Charles Bascom and Alice Fowler Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 49 years, Mary Frances Doyle Robinson, his son, Ernie Clifton Robinson, and siblings: Twins: Evelyn Shaver and Eleanor Walker, C.B., Jr., Jack, Kenneth, Worth, and infant Richard.

He proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean War serving on the USS CABILDO (LSD-16) serving with Operation Greenhouse, which led to developing thermonuclear weapons. He was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon, and was recently awarded the Atomic Veterans Service Award from the Department of Defense.

With degrees in Math and Social Sciences, he attended NC State University and Western Carolina University. He was an avid NC State fan during football season. He held several career positions including teaching, management in tool and textiles warehouses, sales representative, and retired from his self-employed business recapping truck tires, Tom’s Tire Service.

He enjoyed sports all-around. He loved to play golf at Lynrock Golf Course, the former Meadow Greens Country Club Course, and other local golf courses with his brothers and friends. He enjoyed watching and encouraging young people in sports. He received an award years ago for being a #1 Wrestling Fan for Morehead High School and enjoyed supporting local sports at Morehead High School. One of his favorite and proudest moments was following and supporting his grandsons Alex and Nick with their participation in playing golf and baseball during their school and college years.

Being an avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan for many years, he rarely missed a TV game. He kept up with all the players and stats and looked forward to baseball season annually.

He enjoyed being outside doing yard work and gardening and sharing vegetables and fruits with neighbors and friends.

Having a love for music, he enjoyed attending First Baptist Church, Eden, where was a member and singing in the Praise and Worship Group when it was first organized and participating with the Baptist Men. In the last three years or so, he was unable to help others so he took on a ministry of singing Happy Birthday to church members, family, and friends on their birthdays. He looked forward to looking at the list daily. His intention was to make someone smile every day! It brought him lots of Joy!

We appreciate all the wonderful, compassionate medical care he received from Dr. Kevin Howard (before his retirement), and Dr. Gordon Williams, Dayspring Family Medicine, Adoration Home Health, Kernersville VA Medical Center, Dr. Hagan Pace and Dr. Vendura, UNC-Rockingham Health Care, and dedicated Caregivers in the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be sent to Hospice of Rockingham County (Ancora Compassionate Care), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Rockingham Council Bible Education (RCBE) or to First Baptist Church – Western NC Recovery to assist with NC Mountains Disaster Relief.

May we remember that God encircles us with golden rays of light to encourage and love us. Tom, Dad, and Papa loved his family and will remain in our hearts. His feline companion, Patches, will also miss sitting on his walker by him. We will miss his smile, laughter, and excitement over little things.