Grover Cleveland Robinett Jr.

G. C. Robinett was greeted at Heaven’s gate by his Savior on January 9, 2022. He was born on February 1, 1926 in Columbia, SC to Grover C. and Eula S. Robinett. G.C. attended Columbia schools and graduated from Columbia High School. He attended USC taking all of the accounting classes offered. He is a graduate of the Institute of Government Accounting, Chapel Hill, NC.

After high school graduation, G.C. enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving during WWII and the Korean conflict.

G.C. was a life-long member of Columbia First Baptist Church. He served in a variety of capacities including assistant scout master, Sunday School class co-teacher, various committees, and deacon. He was an honorary life deacon. He was faithful in supporting the church financially as well as with his time and talents.

He met Bertha Skinner in February, 1947; and they established their Christian home September 6, 1947 with their wedding at Columbia First Baptist Church. Their family of two daughters has grown to 28.

G.C.’s career focused on accounting. He started working with a couple of small businesses and moved into municipal accounting in 1952 when he became clerk and treasurer for Eau Claire before it was annexed into Columbia. He served in this capacity until the Eau Claire annexation into Columbia in 1955. Following this he was the purchasing agent for the City of Columbia 1956-1960. He became the first finance director for the City of Spartanburg 1960-1962. While in Spartanburg, he and the city were the first recipients of the Governmental Accounting Award for Meritorious Accounting Improvement given by the SC Association of CPAs in cooperation with the SC Municipal Association. The Municipal Finance Officers Association of the US and Canada awarded the City of Spartanburg the Certificate of Public Finance Reporting.

His next career focus was Director of Finance for the City of Columbia, 1962-1985. In 1985 he became the Assistant City Manager for Administration (including Finance) and in 1990 added personnel and general service to his Assistant City Manager responsibilities.

While directing the finances of the City of Columbia, his efforts improved the city’s bond rating to AA which resulted in savings for the city residents. The city received a Certificate of Conformance awarded by the Municipal Finance Officers Association of US and Canada. It was given only to the governmental unit whose financial report was judged to conform substantially to the high standards for financial reporting established by the Association. When awarded to Columbia in 1974 only 239 awards had been awarded in the history of MFOA.

During his time as finance director, he was instrumental in establishing business license guidelines for South Carolina municipalities. He was also responsible for establishing ambulance service for the Columbia area equipped with trained EMTs.

He retired December 1990 with 38 years in municipal government. In 1991, Governor Carroll Campbell awarded G.C. the “Order of the Palmetto” in recognition of outstanding contribution to municipal government in South Carolina.

G.C. enjoyed times with family, traveling and spending as much time as possible at their mountain home. He and Bertha enjoyed sharing their retreat with family and friends. Retirement years allowed time for genealogy which quickly became a passion.

Recent years led to a new home at Laurel Crest Retirement Community. This provided a new area to use his leadership skills and helpful nature among the other residents. The staff provided excellent assistance and very special TLC. The family is very grateful.

G.C. Robinett -- Christian witness with his lifestyle, leading, giving, sharing, smiling, laughing, joking – a blessed life who touched so many. He will be missed.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and brother. He is survived by his bride of 74 years, Bertha, daughters Rowena (Rod) Funderburk of Columbia, SC and Nancy (Steve) Parrish of Stafford, VA; grandchildren Craig (Amy) Funderburk of Lexington, SC; Alicia (Robert) Amerson of Irmo, SC; Heather (Chris) Johns of Bloomsburg, PA; and Grant (Jen) Parrish of Warrenton, VA, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

A celebration of his life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. February 11, 2022 in Boyce Chapel of the First Baptist Church, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC. Visitation will follow the service. There will be a private burial at Greenlawn Cemetery prior to the service. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the TV Ministry of First Baptist Church of Columbia (1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29202), or to a charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedutchfork.com for the Robinett family.