John David Robbins Jr.

Dave was born in Gorgas, Walker Co. Alabama to John David Robbins Sr. and Elizabeth Perry Robbins in November 1938. His father was an electrical engineer for Alabama Power Co. It was a family-oriented organization and many employees lived and worked at dams and power plants in the area. They enjoyed bar-b-cues, picnics, fish fries, waterskiing and much comradery.

Dave attended Auburn Jr. High, Auburn High School and in 1957 graduated from Shades Valley High in Birmingham. During all these years, he played football, mostly as a defensive end and often told stories of pushing through an offensive line while dragging players with him. He attended Auburn University for several years before joining the U.S. Navy and serving in Pensacola at the Navy Air Station during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He flew with Search and Rescue and served as navigator.

Following his service in the U.S. Navy, he returned to his beloved Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Math and Engineering. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, Omega-Zeta Chapter.

After graduating from Auburn, he accepted a job with Southern Bell and relocated to Florence, S.C. with his wife and family. Later transferred to Columbia in 1972, Dave was Supervising Engineer at the Columbia District on Laurel Street for many years. He later served as President of the Columbia Pioneers. Retiring in 1991, he would enjoy travel, golf and leisure time at Wild Dunes with his family and friends.

Dave was a devoted father and husband and was happiest when his family was all together. He enjoyed good food, cooking, Auburn football, Braves baseball and helping his friends and neighbors when needed. Much like his father, Dave could fix anything but a broken heart.

Dave was a long-time member of The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude for over 48 years. He served on the Vestry and was President of the SS-SJ Men’s Club. For years he enjoyed organizing the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Suppers, making his special pancakes along with his faithful team of volunteers.

A devoted son, husband, father and grandfather, Dave relished seeing the successes of his two daughters and three grandchildren, Callan, Emilee and Wesley.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Naomi Robbins Ray. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sheila Isabel Jones; his daughter, Elizabeth Robbins Edwards (Alan, deceased); his daughter, Rebecca Robbins Derrick (James); his grandchildren, Callan Calloway Frye, Emilee Elizabeth Edwards and Wesley Harrison Frye; his nieces and nephews, Paige Wright Phillips, Lee Anne Samples Bryant (Jason), Stuart Hiram Jones Samples (Rachael), and Mark Hamman Ray.

A memorial service will be held at The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude on April 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. located at 1110 Kinley Road, Irmo, SC 29063. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials honoring Dave may be given to The Episcopal Church of St. Simon & St. Jude or St. Simon & St. Jude Men’s Club.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com