Biography: God decided to pick another one of his warriors on a sunny Friday morning of November 15, 2019. He passed away to his heavenly reward quietly and peacefully.
William Robinson Jr. (Willie) was born on November 16, 1936 to the late William Robinson Sr. and to the late Hattie Grant in Charleston South Carolina. He was the second eldest of three children. His one and only beloved brother Marvin Lee Robinson preceded his death on May 24, 2010.
During the great migration in 1940’s - 1950’s the Robinsons moved from Charleston to The Bronx, NY. There he grew up on Vyse Ave. Willie attended the Samuel Gompers High School.
In 1954 Willie enlisted the United States Army where he served as a para trooper. He served his country with pride and dignity and he received an honorable discharged in 1957.
Throughout his upbringing Willie loved music and fashion. He loved to listen to the Temptations, The Four Tops, Jackie Wilson, Wilson Pickett and all the Doo Wop groups. Willie loved to emulate their style, looks and their dance steps.
On January 6, 1961 Willie was united in holy matrimony at the Mount Hebron Baptist Church to the love of his life Mary Louise Jones. From that union two children were born; Sandra Robinson (Sandy) and Deacon William Kelly Robinson. In the many years that followed Mr. Willie was well respected and well-loved and had adopted many children from Mitchel Houses.
Willie was skilled at many things. He was very handy and was able to fix anything. However his greatest skill was driving. Willie drove for the Hammer Soda Company, drove taxis, and drove for MTA and the New York City Department of Corrections. Willie retired from the United States Post Office with an impeccable record as Motor Vehicle Operator in 1999.
One of Willie’s greatest compassion was the love of family and friends. He never saw it robbery to be the man of the house. He epitomized what a man, husband father, grandfather, a brother and all else should be. Loving, honorable, humble courageous, stylish, strong and hardworking are all words that described Mr. Robinson or Uncle Willie. When you were in his presence you were no longer a friend you were immediately a family member. His reaching out to others has taught us that “Love Conquers All” which is what God demonstrates to us daily. To those who knew Willie personally and to those who knew him from the numerous stories about him, Willie’s spirit is etched in our hearts and minds for always. We give praise honor and glory to God for the 82 years that he was with us.
Willie leaves to cherish his memory; his loving and faithful wife of 58 years; Mary Louise Robinson, his devoted children Sandy Robinson and Deacon William Kelly Robinson, five grandchildren Shanelle Theresa Robinson, William Kelly Robinson Jr., Aaron Kollin Robinson, Sheldon Timothy Robinson and Leah Kay Robinson, and one great grandson Jaylen James Dallas, a sister Betty Louise Robinson (Charleston; South Carolina), two brothers-in-laws Jerome Jones (Philadelphia Pa) and David Vine (Harlem, New York), one sister- in-law Sandra Robinson (New Jersey) , one Godson Wayne Rashaad Butler, special friends Norma McNeal and Myrna Harris and a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends and adopted sons and daughters.
