Ernest E. Robinson III

Ernest Earl Robinson III, 82, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, passed away on February 13, 2023. He was born on May 10, 1940, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, to the late Ernest and Martha (Ogle) Robinson II. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude (Trudy) Robinson; and his step-mother, Mildred Robinson.

Ernie was an accomplished three-sport athlete who excelled in football, basketball and track. At Quaker Valley High School in Sewickley, PA, Ernie was a three-year letter winner in football and was a tenacious safety his senior year. In basketball, he was the high scorer his senior year earning All-Section honors. Ernie excelled in 3 events as a sprinter on the track team. He ran the 100 and 220-yard dashes and was a member of the 880-yard relay team.

Ernie had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army and was All-Army in 3 sports: basketball, softball and flag football. He averaged 22 points a game in his Army basketball career and played quarterback on the championship flag football team. He was voted soldier of the week four times and soldier of the month twice.

After Ernie completed a tour of duty with the Army, he later went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Findlay and a master's degree from Xavier University. Ernie enjoyed a highly successful 31 year teaching and coaching career in Columbus. He coached the South High School girls’ basketball teams to 8 city titles and 5 district championships, winning a state title in 1986. He was awarded the City Coach of the Year four times and the Ohio Coach of the Year in 1986. In his last years at South High School, he achieved success as the boys’ basketball coach as well. Ernie was inducted into his District’s Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

Ernie was a proud member of the First Church of God. He enjoyed attending church and being a greeter for Sunday service. He had a real passion for golf and working out daily. In the 1990s he had his own annual golf tournament with his friends and family titled “Ernie's Open.” When he retired, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, exercising, golfing, and traveling.

Ernie will be greatly missed by his daughter, Michelle Robinson; sister, Coretha Hill; nephew, Maurice Hill; and his extended family and dear friends.

A visitation for Ernie will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N. High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Following the visitation will be a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.