Nelson Boyd Lee Robinson Sr.

Nelson Boyd Lee Robinson Sr., “Pappy”, left this world with his beloved friend and dog “Snowball” on Saturday, November 1, 2014 as a result of a tragic car accident. “Snowball” was his everyday companion and sidekick and naturally was riding right by his side. As was his nature, he was taking care of everything for everyone at the moment of his death.

“Pappy” was loved so much by family, friends, and those who met him for only one time. He never met a stranger and as many remember him “he would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it.”

Nelson was a US Army veteran having served in combat during the Korean War in the 424th Field Artillery Battalion, Company B.

Over the years of his life he worked hard to provide for his family of seven. He worked many years in the apple orchards and road construction. Nelson was later employed by General Motors for 20 years and upon retirement began his career with his love of auctions, and wheeling and dealing in all his collectibles. He truly believed one man’s junk was “Pappy’s” treasure.

Nelson was born May 11, 1927 in Martinsburg WV to Andrew “Andy” and Elizabeth Hines Robinson. He was one of seven children.

Nelson is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Lea Vanorsdale Robinson, who he married July 5, 1951. His sister Bertie Mae Robinson Stilwell also survives him as the last surviving sibling in his family.

Nelson and Mary raised six sons and a daughter and an adopted grandchild over their married lifetime. Nelson is survived by son, Nelson Boyd Robinson, Jr., and wife Joyce; daughter, Connie Elizabeth DeHaven and husband, Dane; son Ronald Lee Robinson; son, Michael Lynn Robinson; son, Edward “Eugene” Robinson and wife, Karen; and son, Randy Lee Robinson and wife, Angie. In addition, Nelson is survived by an adopted grandchild raised by him and Mary, Michael Dustin Robinson and his wife, Melissa.

The “apples of his eye” were his twenty-four grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Each and every one of Pappy’s babies loved to visit, play, travel, go to auctions, yard sale, flea market and just be with their “Pappy”. He was a two-step dancer and loved to dance. He will be especially remembered as the “life of the party” as he danced the nights away at his granddaughters weddings.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dale Craig Robinson in 1992; and Dale’s wife Michelle who passed in 2012. He was also preceded in death by siblings: Isabelle Pearl, Charles, Roy, Joe, and Melvin Robinson.

Friends will received 6-8 PM, Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Rosedale Funeral Home, Martinsburg.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday at Rosedale Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Staubs officiating. Interment will follow in Rosedale Cemetery.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Mountainview Church of the Brethren, 2345 Middleway Pike, Bunker Hill, WV 25413, or Berkeley County Humane Society, 554 Charles Town Road, Martinsburg, WV 25405, or Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430.

Online condolences may be left at www.rosedalefuneral.com