Mr. Robert "Bobby" Robinson

Let us tell you a story about a man called Bobby. Bobby, born Robert Robinson, was born in Lexington, Kentucky on November 27, 1933 to the late Mack Wallace and Irene Robinson. He was the fifth of six siblings, all of whom had preceded him in death: Wallace (Uncle Snookie and Aunt Chu), Gladys (Auntie and John), Mary (Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob), Walter (Uncle Dickie and Aunt Rhoda) and Roger (Uncle Roger and surviving spouse, Aunt Betty). Known as the mischievous one of the bunch, Bobby was always good for a laugh, a practical joke or a willing participant in a fun scheme. When he was a young boy, a source of income was to sell rags to the Rag Man. The Rag Man would weigh the bag of rags and pay accordingly. The story, as told by his siblings, was that one time Bobby got into one of the bags, bringing the weight of the rags very high and the Rag Man had to compensate his siblings dearly! Bobby graduated from Douglass High School (DHS) and later became President of the Douglass High School Alumni, serving dutifully for 40 years. Under his leadership as president, the Douglass Alumni Association took on many projects. Some of those included a DHS scholarship was created to be awarded to worthy high school students and the association was blessed to have the newest Fayette County high school named in its honor, Frederick Douglass High School. On August 2, 1952, Bobby married his teenage sweetheart, Nona Mae Goshen. This past August 2nd, Bobby and Nona celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary. The Chicken Shack on Deweese Street would be the location of many of their dates. Nona tells of him and his friends coming into that restaurant with hats and canes to impress her. So determined to win Nona over, he solicited the help of a friend to crawl into the window of another suitor of Nona’s and take from him a picture he had of Nona! He and Nona made their first home in Charlotte Court in 1954. A few years later, along with his father and older brother, he built their first house where they have lived for 65 years. Shortly after marriage, Bobby was drafted into the Army where he was ultimately stationed in Alaska. In 1962, Bobby was honorably discharged and returned to Lexington to his wife and oldest daughter, Gayle. Prior to leaving for the army, Bobby worked for the renowned Magee’s Bakery in Lexington. After 67 years, the bakery closed its doors in May of 2023. Upon his return home from the army he began an apprenticeship with Austin D. Harp in brick and stone masonry. He learned and became exceptionally skilled in the trade. In 1965, Bobby and Ralph Connor ventured into entrepreneurship and formed R&R Masonry. Their motto was, “No job too small.” They were awarded with several minority small business bids, making R&R Masonry a well sought after business. During the time the business was co-operated with Mr. Ralph, the fingerprint of R&R Masonry was made throughout Lexington and surrounding areas including: completing the masonry and brick work on the rest area buildings between Ashland and Cave City, Kentucky; the bathroom stalls in the rest areas along I-64; Turfland Mall; the Veterans Administration Hospital; the University of Kentucky; and numerous horse farm barns, churches, houses, businesses... and the list goes on! In 2013, after 51 years Bobby became the sole proprietor of the business. Daddy loved to sing and thought he could sing!!! He would often break out into a croon around the house then laugh and say, “You can’t do nothing with that!” He sang in the Men’s Choir during Men’s Day at Main Street Baptist Church, he led out in Christmas Carols as the family visited friends and family, and as he became ill, he would lead out or join in with hymns and songs that were dear to his heart. Some of these songs are featured throughout this celebration. It was often said of Bobby that he knew no strangers! Having the outgoing personality that he had, Bobby became a member, and eventually president, of three men’s social clubs: The Bon Amis, Omicrons, and most recently, The Apex. His leadership ability and his commitment to community service was evidenced by his service on various boards and community organizations. He served on the board of the Robert H. Williams Cultural Center; as a member and then president of the previously mentioned Douglass High School Alumni Association; the Bon Amis, Omicrons, and Apex Social Clubs; bowling; and business manager and treasurer of the St. Martin Village Neighborhood Association. He was also an American Legionnaire and was the oldest member at Post 132. Bobby Robinson was the recipient of many honors and awards, including: St. Martin Village Neighborhood Association – 20+ years of service Douglass Alumni Association Inc. – President, 40 years Kentucky Colonel, commissioned by Governor Andy Beshear – July 17, 2023 Robert “Bobby” Robinson Day, proclaimed by Mayor Linda Groton – July 29, 2023 Bobby Robinson accepted Christ at the age of 12. He was a faithful member of Main Street Baptist Church for over 70 years where he served as a deacon, an usher and sang in the Men’s Choir. Bobby has two great loves: His love of his wife, Nona, and the rest of his family and his love for Westerns. He could spend hours watching the Encore Western and Inspire Channels, enjoying old classics such as Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, The Virginian and The Tales of Wells Fargo. Although, truth be told, the television often wound up, “watching him!” Bobby especially loved the gatherings of his large family during Christmas and family reunions. His nieces and nephews had a unique and special relationship with him, often seeking guidance and support, or just fun times. This “Uncle” relationship was not limited to his natural “blood” relatives, but to a HOST of others who affectionately called him Uncle Bobby. He enjoyed spending time with his family on vacations. He took the family on many trips, to places like Florida, New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago. As his family expanded to include grandchildren, they became part of the Robinson Family Vacation as well. Remembered fondly was an epic vacation in the 60’s, where the family ventured across the country on a three week trip to California, stopping by the Grand Canyon, then to Disneyland, up the coast through the Sequoia’s, across the northern USA to Mt. Rushmore and finally back to Lexington. In addition to enjoying traveling with his family, Bobby loved playing board and card games with us. Many happy hours were spent in epic battles of Phase 10, Uno and various board games. On what would be the final night of his life, he played several rounds of the board game, Sorry. The game of life came to end for Bobby in the afternoon of Friday, November 10, 2023, just short of his 90th birthday. Both Bobby and his family hoped and planned for him to reach that milestone, however, we look forward to seeing him again in that land where time is marked, not by years, but by eternity. Looking forward to meeting him there is his devoted wife of more than 71 years, Mrs. Nona Robinson; three children, Gayle Robinson, Jill (Dana) Edmond and Mondrego (Annyette) Robinson; four grandchildren, Courtney (Anthony) Campbell, Robert “RJ” Edmond, Imani Robinson and Logan Robinson; four great-grandchildren: Kiera, Keleaya, K´yanna and Jaden Campbell; sister-in-law, Betty Robinson; a host of nieces and nephews; adopted family, The Grider family, Lula Lewis and Pam White. Last, but in no way least, the village of loved ones who cared for him in his illness: Virgil and Alva Covington, Michelle Davis, Bill and Loretta Crowders, Francis and Anita Baker, Bluegrass Care Navigators and Village Care Home Health.

Mr. Robert "Bobby" Robinson

November 27, 1933 - November 10, 2023

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Mr. Robert "Bobby" Robinson

November 27, 1933 - November 10, 2023

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information