William Alexander Robinson III, known affectionately as Alex, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the age of 69. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Alex's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born on July 25, 1954, at Greenville General Hospital, Alex was the eldest son of Mary Elizabeth Black Robinson and the late William A. Robinson, Jr. Growing up on Mountain View Drive in Easley, he and his siblings were nurtured under the devoted and loving care of Clarice Alexander.
Alex attended Northside Elementary School, conveniently located within walking distance from his home. During his junior high years, he demonstrated leadership as an officer on the Student Council and delivered newspapers for the Greenville Piedmont. In 1968, Alex's academic excellence was evident when he won the Pickens County Spelling Bee and secured third place in the state-wide competition.
His active involvement in the Easley Presbyterian Church, the Easley YMCA, and the Boy Scouts of America shaped his character. Under the guidance of Reverend Eddie Craig, he earned the esteemed “God and Country” award. Alex's high school years at Easley High School were marked by his leadership as a class officer and exceptional service, which earned him the prestigious “Principal’s Award.” His early passion for journalism was evident as he covered and reported on sports for the Easley Progress while still in high school.
Alex pursued higher education at Davidson College before transferring to Clemson University, where he graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. His commitment to scholastic achievement continued, earning a Master of Arts degree from Queens University in 2001 with “straight A's.”
Alex began his working career at Barclays Bank in Charlotte in 1978. He later married Patricia "Patty" Gibson Robinson on May 19, 1984, following a lengthy courtship even by Robinson standards. Their enduring love and partnership spanned 40 wonderful years.
Throughout his career, Alex held various significant roles in his community, forging lasting friendships with many along the way. He worked at Stowe Mercantile Hardware Store from 1986 to 1990 and Dixon Ford from 1990 to 1998. In 1990, he became the President of the Belmont Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating his commitment to community service. Alex was also an active member of the Belmont Rotary Club, serving as its president in 1988. His career with the City of Belmont, from December 1998 to June 2024, marked 25 years of dedicated service. He also cherished his time at Pawleys Island and was a proud member and former commodore of the Pawleys Island Yacht Club.
Alex is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 40 years, Patty; his beloved daughters Katherine Robinson and Patricia Robinson; his brothers James M. Robinson (Melissa) of Easley and Alan M. Robinson (Jeanne) of Greenville; his sister Elizabeth R. Weaver (David) of Easley; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nephews and grand niece; and his cherished Dachshund, Leo. He was predeceased by his father William “Bill” A. Robinson, Jr. and infant brother Ben Barnhardt Robinson.
A celebration of Alex's life will be held on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, at South & West, 109 South 1st Street, Easley, SC, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Keep Belmont Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, that works in partnership with the City of Belmont, North Carolina, to educate and involve the community in litter and waste reduction, recycling, beautification, and natural resource conservation. Donations may be made in memory of Alex by mailing checks to Keep Belmont Beautiful, 1401 East Catawba St. Belmont, NC 28012.
Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
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