Dr. Robert Earl Robbins

Born on October 13, 1933, in Paintsville, Kentucky, to Earl Glen Robbins and Sue Long Dickens Robbins, he was raised in Lexington and later became a long-time member of the Elizabethtown community.

He completed his undergraduate studies in 1954 from the University of Kentucky and received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1958. His Internship was at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cincinnati from 1958 – 1960. His surgical residency was interrupted by military service as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, during which time he was Assistant Chief of Surgery at the 196th Station Hospital in Paris, France from 1960 – 1962. He then resumed training as a General Surgery Resident at University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals, where he was Chief Resident in General Surgery 1963 – 1964.

After certification by the American Board of Surgery and as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), he established a surgical practice in Greenville, Kentucky, where he served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at Muhlenberg Community Hospital. In 1968, he returned to the University of Louisville where he completed a Fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery and then relocated his practice to Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

In Elizabethtown, he served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at Hardin Memorial Hospital, contributing significantly to the hospital's growth and culture during his tenure. He played a key role in establishing the Helmwood Medical Center Physicians Office Building, where, as managing partner, he successfully recruited numerous physicians and specialists to the area.

Beyond his commitment to medicine, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Governors Manor Shopping Center in Elizabethtown. He was also instrumental in fostering important growth opportunities for the community, including the Elizabethtown Industrial Foundation, Helmwood Village Retirement Center (now known as The Willows), Helmwood Healthcare long-term nursing facility, Health South Rehabilitation Hospital (now known as Encompass), Kentucky Neighborhood Bank (now South Central Bank), Robinbrooke Senior Living, The Cottages at Robinbrooke, Crowne Pointe Business Center, and Crowne Pointe Theatre. Additionally, he was a principal investor in Zirmed, Inc., a revenue cycle service for physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical providers.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother William G. Robbins (Jessica) of Lexington. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rita Hobbs Robbins of Elizabethtown; his sister, Sylvia Robbins Griffin of Lexington; his children, Sharon Muzammil (Mohammed) of Sarasota, Florida; Stefan Robbins (Theresa); Audrey Robbins Kersey; Timothy Robbins; and Tanya Robbins, all of Lexington; as well as Rita’s children: Laura Powell Shuler (Shaun) of Zionsville, Indiana, and L.Daniel Powell (Stephanie) of Elizabethtown. He is additionally survived by 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. James School or ECTC Family Scholar House.

Memorial Services will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Michael Wimsett and Deacon Bill Clark officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M until the time of service. A private burial will be held at a later date at Lexington Cemetery, 833 West Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky.