Ronald "Sonny" Oliver Robinson

On Saturday, January 13, 2024 in the early morning hours our Heavenly Angels came to Earth to carry Ronald Oliver Robinson (affectionately known as “Ronnie” and/or “Sonny”) away from his friends and family, to his home in Heaven.

Ronald was born on December 5, 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica to his parents: Enid McLean and Harold Robinson. Whenever asked, Ronald would refer to himself as a True Kingstonian (from Kingston, Jamaica) “Mi born unda di clock”. Ronald was the younger of two children. Unfortunately his mother died when he was only nine (9) months old. Ronald was raised by his maternal grandmother Agnes McLean in a large loving family. The name “Sonny Boy” actually comes from his grandmother but got shorten as he got older. Ronald was second youngest grandchild and was spoiled rotten by his grandmother but it was she who developed him into the man he lived to become a strong willed self-assured man. Once his grandmother passed away there was a lack of funds to cover the large household, Ronald had to drop out of elementary school to support his family and himself working all sorts of odd jobs as a youngster including painting buses in which he learned this trade as a teenager and later Ronald excelled in painting automobiles and doing auto body work on cars.

Ronald met the love of his life Merdela Lawrence, affectionately known as “Shine” in Kingston, Jamaica when they were both teenagers. Ronald and Shine were married in March 1970 in Jamaica. Ronald migrated to Canada in 1970 and shortly thereafter he and Shine moved to the United States (New York City).

When he arrived in New York he added his new friends to his family who is affectionately known to them as “Ronnie” and they loved him as though he was blood.

While in New York Ronald supported his family as a highly skilled autobody collision specialist. Ronald loved to buy sport cars (preferably American made cars) and he would refurbish/restore them back to looking brand new – which was his true pride and joy. Most of his finished work appeared in auto shows throughout the greater New York tri-state area.

Ronald was well known for his strong personality and he was not afraid to express himself verbally or otherwise but Ronald also had a warm side to him. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Sonny” – who was ALWAYS willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed help, he was also willing to volunteer his time and talent to any cause. He was “Uncle Sonny” even to those he has no blood relation to yet he treated them the same as if they were. He will forever be remembered for his love, thoughtfulness, and dedication. A true “Uncle” to everyone he came in contact with.

Sadly, Ronald’s only Sister Gloria passed away suddenly in January 2017; Ronald’s heart was truly broken, he missed her dearly and talked about her all the time.

On Saturday, January 13, 2024, Ronald “Uncle Sonny” peacefully passed away with his wife Merdela “Shine” and his daughter Andrea by his side. Ronald (“Sonny”) is survived by his devoted wife, Merdela “Shine” Robinson (married for more than 52 years), his children Trevor Robinson (Tracy-Ann); Sharon Robinson, Yvette Robinson (Vincent) and Andrea Robinson (Colin); fourteen (14) grandchildren (1 “Troopie” predeceased) and five (6) great-grandchildren (one on the way) a host of Nieces, Nephews, in-laws and MANY close friends.

A visitation for Sonny will be held Friday, February 2, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A celebration of life service will occur Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. An interment will occur Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.