Lawrence "Coach" Evans Robinson

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Coach Larrie Robinson, our father, a beloved coach, mentor and pillar of our community, who left us on Friday, November 22, 2024, after more than 93 remarkable years.

There was rejoicing in Heaven last Friday as our beloved father joined our loving mother Odessa in Heaven. Married for over 62 years, their bond was one of hard work, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Now they are reunited, leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment that will continue to inspire all who knew them.

Coach Robinson was a devoted father, husband, and friend. His children were raised in a home filled with love, care for others and a deep sense of community. He began his career as an assistant coach to the late John Meadows, who became his mentor and dear friend. They led the wildcats to a state championship that is still talked about today. He then followed Coach Meadows to Butler High School, where he stayed until the city decided to build Grissom.

Coach Robinson was hired as the first athletic director and head football coach for Grissom High School. He was the right man for the job, as he built a successful top-tier athletic program, where his football team quickly became known as a powerhouse, going to many state playoffs and a state championship playoff. Under Robinson’s athletic direction, nearly every Grissom sport (including basketball, baseball, soccer, track, golf, volleyball and swimming) would earn state championships. With his leadership, Grissom became one of the top sports programs in the state.

Coach Robinson’s leadership at Grissom had an influence far beyond football, it spanned across all athletics. Robinson said, “I was always a football coach, but I take as much pride in what we do in all those other sports as what we did on the football field.” His encouragement and guidance shaped the lives of countless students and athletes who benefited from his wisdom and vision. To this day, people still say that he gave them the tools to succeed in life and helped to form the adults they are today. Robinson always said, “If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, then your body can achieve it.”

Born May 17, 1931, in Coffeeville, MS to the Rev. W.L. Robinson and Olive Lucille Hathorn, he was taught to always do the right thing and to respect everyone. He never met a stranger, and people were drawn to his warmth and compassion.

He served his country for four years in the U.S. Navy on the sub tender USS Nereus and the submarine USS Volador, where he also played football and was a star athlete. He earned All-American honors in 1949. Robinson’s skills in coaching and leadership led to many awards, such as multiple Coach of the Year and Huntsville Quarterback Club awards, and also to being inducted into both the Jackson County and the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame.

He is survived by children Robbie (Michele) Robinson and Lynn (Philip) Moore, grandchildren Lindsay (Christopher) Plitt, Logan Robinson, Haley Moore, and James Scalf, great-grandchildren Sara Grace and John Patrick Plitt, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

Our father was always thinking of others. As much as he loved flowers, he would have enjoyed if donations were made to a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the personnel of

Amedisys Home Health and Amedisys Hospice for the love and care they showed our father. The nurses and therapists became like family members and Dad joked with them and enjoyed seeing them.

The world has lost a cherished friend, beloved family member, mentor and coach. Coach Robinson was an example of how one should live and treat people. His impact on our lives and this community will not be forgotten.

Funeral services for Coach Robinson will be held on Sunday, December 1 at 2 PM with visitation from 12-2 PM in the Chapel of Valhalla Funeral Home 698 Winchester Rd NE Huntsville, Alabama 35811.