Ronald Douglas "R.D." Robinson

Ronald Douglas "R.D." Robinson, age 83, widower of Sandra Neill Robinson, of the Williamsville community in Highland County, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.

Born October 30, 1939, in West Palm Beach, Florida, he was the son of the late Belo Gurdon and Margaret Paulene (Mitchell) Robinson.

In 1972 R.D. moved his family from south Florida to Highland County to provide his children with a rural lifestyle that he enjoyed and believed would provide the best outcome for his family. His love of farming, hunting, and fishing was a family tradition passed down to him by his father. R.D. is a Marine, and his "can do" attitude as well as honor and integrity were benchmarks of his code. R.D. was equally comfortable behind the wheel of a tractor or a board room conducting business at the highest levels. He enjoyed a successful career in real estate development and construction for many years and was actively working until age 82. R.D. was a devoted member of the McDowell Presbyterian Church and was known, loved, and appreciated for his commitment to property maintenance. His crowning achievement at the church was the project he undertook to repair and restore the church steeple. One of his most memorable traits was the open-door policy at his house and his ability to make friends from absolute strangers. R.D. was always ready to lend a hand and his generosity knew no bounds. Many stories have been shared with his children over the last few weeks from friends and folks about his impact on their lives.

R.D. is survived by his son, Steven D. Robinson and wife, Jennifer of Churchville; his daughter, Melissa Robinson Spittle and husband, Donald of Blacksburg; grandchildren, Ashley Welch, Christopher Robinson, Amanda Poma, and Molly Robinson; great-grandchildren, Emma and Owen Welch, Jack and Leah Robinson, and Declan Smith. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Linda Shirey of Okeechobee, Florida.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on February 18^th at McDowell Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Beth Pyles officiating.