William Henry Robinson, Sr., a long-time resident of Mobile, Alabama, died on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the age of 85 with his loving family by his side. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend of many. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Myrtle and Maxwell Robinson, Sr., brother, Maxwell Robinson, Jr., and son-in-law David Fell. Bill is survived by his loving wife of thirty one years, Barbara Dickson Robinson, along with his children, Stephen Wayne Robinson (Candy), Cheryl Robinson Fell, Lisa Robinson Duck, William Henry Robinson, Jr., and Tashja Dickson Jones (Alvah). Bill was also known as “Grandfather” by six grandchildren, William Frederick Bostrom, Lauren Fell Roberts (Landon), David Garrett Fell (Haley), Carleigh Fell Tully (John) Phillip Bayard Robinson and Andrea Claire Robinson, whom he was so proud of, and his five great-grandchildren Beau Bostrom, Hudson, Brooks and Lucy Roberts and Anderson Fell, whom he adored.
Bill was born July 8th,1937 in Denham Springs, Louisiana and attended Denham Springs High School. His family moved to Baton Rouge when he was a senior where he continued to excel in academics, football and basketball. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. As an avid LSU fan, he enjoyed his college years and made numerous lifelong friends, of whom many were his Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers. His friends say that he was always the driving force behind their long and adventurous friendships.
Bill spent a lifetime dedicated to the car business, starting with his first job as a gas pump attendant at his Father’s Kaiser-Frazier dealership. In 1959, he joined his Father’s Lincoln Mercury dealership in Baton Rouge and ultimately owned and operated Robinson Brothers Lincoln-Mercury-Volvo in Mobile. Notably, Bill received countless awards in the car business additionally serving as Vice Chairman of The Lincoln Mercury National Dealer Council, four-time President of the Mobile Dealer Association as well as board member for fourteen years, charter member of the Lincoln Mercury National Advertising Board, and served on the New Orleans Ford District Consumer Appeals Board.
Bill’s love of cars was equal to his love of the water. He could be found spending many sunrises and sunsets on the water fishing, boating, or just relaxing at his Dog River home with Barbara by side drinking a classic martini with cigar in hand. “Billy Bob” and Barbara were together for 41 years and built lasting memories together with their children, grandchildren and friends at Dauphin Island, Cabo San Lucas and Beaver Creek.
Everyone who knew “Billy Bob” felt his big heart and giving nature. Bill’s selfless and kind spirit was exemplified in his community service, specifically, as Vice President of Baton Rouge Jaycees, Board of Directors Better Business Bureau of Baton Rouge, Chairman of the Board and three-time Vice-President of the Lions Club Mobile, Board of Directors University of South Alabama Athletic Club, Board of Directors Arthritis Foundation of Mobile, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Board of Directors South Alabama Medical Science Foundation. He also spoke at various banks, businesses, and civic clubs on having a Golden Attitude. “Billy Bob” will be fondly remembered for his endearing snorting laugh, generosity and his positive energy living by the words, “It’s not your aptitude but your attitude”. This was his “Golden Attitude” motto. He had a passion for the American Heart Society, having sponsored many heart society fundraising events over the years and was the recipient of the Heart of Gold Award.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Visitation for Bill will be held Monday, November 21, 2022 from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1:00 PM at Radney Funeral Home-Mobile, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.
Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Pine Crest West, 1599 Snow Road, Mobile, Alabama, 36695.
All guests are invited to a Celebration of Life reception at the Pillars, 1757 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama immediately following the graveside services.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Robinson family.
