Obituaries

Dr. Jack Clayton Robinson passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2012 surrounded by family.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and caring friend to many.  He lived his life with dignity and kindness and will be missed by all who knew him.  Jack was born October 1, 1928, in Clover, South Carolina, to Robah L. Robinson and Myrtle Biggers Robinson.

Jack is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Joyce Chastain Robinson, daughter Elizabeth and husband Ralph Abernethy, III, son Cary Robinson and wife Leslie, two grandchildren Megan and Michael Lawing, and brother Hugh Robinson and wife Jane and their children and grandchildren. 

Jack was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Robah L. Robinson, Jr. and his wife Josephine.

Jack grew up on a cotton farm and learned the meaning of hard work at an early age.  He was an avid tennis player and mentored many young men while acing them on the court, earning him the nickname “The Silver Fox.”  He and his wife enjoyed camping at the beach, traveling, and most of all spending time with family and friends in his beloved Banner Elk.

Jack graduated Clover High School, Lees McRae College, King College, Columbia Theological Seminary, and received his Doctorate in 1975 from McCormick Theological Seminary.

After graduation from Columbia Theological Seminary, Jack spent two years as a home missionary in Eastern Kentucky where he served four churches.  His other pastorates were Silver Creek Presbyterian Church, West Avenue Presbyterian Church, and Unity Presbyterian Church.

After retiring from the pastorate he served as Director of Alumni Affairs at Lees McRae College.

During his career Jack served as Area Board Chairman of Gaston Lincoln Area Mental Health Program and was instrumental in founding East Lincoln Christian Ministry.  He also served as a Board Member on the Lincoln County American Red Cross Council, was leader of Gaston Area Presbyterian Inter Church Council, and was an active member of the Presbytery and Synod.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, July 21, 2012 at West Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1015 West Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052 with Rev. Dr. Will Terry officiating.  The family also welcomes visits to the home on Friday, July 20, 2012.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092, or to the charity of your choice.