William N. Robinson, Sr.

William N. Robinson, Sr. (Bill), age 86, of Maryville, TN, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2013 at UT Medical Center. He was a man who felt the love of God in his heart and passed it on freely and unconditionally. His life of integrity, compassion, and humility reflected his belief in the redemptive power of sacrificial love; to have been part of his life was an incalculable blessing. A US Air Force Veteran and graduate of Maryville College and Union Theological Seminary in New York, he served as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN for twenty-nine years; there he touched many lives through a music ministry of multiple choirs spanning pre-school through senior adults, handbells, string ensembles, and an orchestra. Before moving to Kingsport, he served at First Baptist Church of Clarksville, TN and Smithwood Baptist Church in Knoxville. In his retirement, he loved tending his garden and enjoyed volunteer work, which included giving free violin, viola and cello lessons. He and his wife were active in the Alumni Association of Maryville College and were very generous in their support of the college's educational mission. He was proud to have played viola in the Maryville Alcoa Community College Orchestra for many years under the baton of his oldest son, Bill. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife of sixty years, Mildred C. Robinson, and their children: Bill Robinson, Jr. (Martha); Ann Robinson-Craig (Chris Craig); Bob Robinson (Martha); Susan Hoover (Roger); Mary Dodson (Brian); and Tom "TR" Robinson (Cindy); and their Ugandan son they adopted later in life, Yebalibinga "Freddie" Robinson (Susan). He is also survived by his sister Peggy Mobley and her husband John Mobley, as well as their daughters Jackie Caruso and Kathy Mobley. His proudest legacy was his large and loving family, which included his grandchildren Bailey Riddle, Sarah Craig, Carolyn Craig, Ellen Robinson Price (Geoff), Bradley Robinson (Francesca), Elizabeth Robinson, Grant Robinson, Roger William Hoover, Jacob Dodson, Matthew Dodson, Joe Robinson, Kelsey Robinson, Yeba Robinson, and Muta Robinson, and his great-grandchildren Evey and Ella Riddle and Mary Peyton Price. Gatherings of this family were always joyous ones with laughter, music, and "family fun". A celebration of Bill Robinson's life will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2013, at 3:00 in the afternoon at First Baptist Church, Maryville, TN, with Charles Ballard, Ron Davis, and Mitch Whisnant officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. There will be a private family burial at Clark's Grove Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithLifeandLegacy.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William N. Robinson, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.