Lorraine Wille Robinson

Lorraine "Dixie" Wille Robinson, age 86, of Clearwater, Florida, died peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2011. She is survived by her daughter, Lorrie Robinson, son Parker Robinson, daughter-in-law Susan, granddaughter Holly, grandson Carter, and sister Natalie Nance. Dixie was born October 23, 1925 in Lakeland Florida. Her family moved to Lockport New York and then moved back to Bellaire Florida in 1938. She graduated from Clearwater High School and attended the University of Alabama. After the death of her beloved father, Frank Wille, Dixie supported herself and mother Edna by working as a draftsman for architect Eugene Beach and by creating a successful candy business. Dixie married the love of her life, Gene Allen Robinson in 1951. In 1959 Gene and his future partner, Charles H. Adams, left radio station WTAN to found and operate WAZE (AM 860) and later held many jazz concerts, ultimately inspiring the Clearwater Jazz Festival. Dixie held two very successful concert clinics in local area high schools with Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. She designed her stunning Frank Lloyd Wright ranch style home and on Christmas 1965, Gene presented her with a small jewel box containing soil from the lot where they would build that home. After WAZE, Dixie and Gene worked 12 years together side by side in Citcom Printing until Gene's passing. She loved music and enjoyed concerts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, local and national politics, and her beloved dog, Ricky. The memorial service will be held at 10am Saturday 3 December, at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 South Belcher Road. www.mossfeasterclearwater.com