Willard ROBINSON Jr.

NEWPORT NEWS - Willard Montellous Robinson Jr., 75, died on Oct. 28, 2010, at Riverside Regional Medical Center after a lengthy and courageous battle with lung cancer.
Born on June 8, 1935, and raised in Greensville County, Va., he had been a Newport News resident since 1962. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he frequently taught Sunday School and was on the Staff Parish Relations Committee and the church Council.
Willard attended Greensville County High School. He graduated from the University of Richmond and the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. He was a member of the National Guard, Army Artillery unit, where he served honorably for four years.
Willard was hired as the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in 1962. He served as the Commonwealth's Attorney of Newport News from 1965 until his retirement in 1991. Following his retirement, Willard continued in the private practice of law until a few weeks before his death.
Willard served as President of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, President of the Newport News Bar Association, an officer of the National Association of District Attorneys, and Chairman of the Virginia State Bar's Criminal Law Section. Additionally, he was selected to serve on the Virginia State Bar's Professionalism Course. Willard also received the Robert F. Horan, Jr. Outstanding Service Award from the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, which is the highest honor the Association bestows on its members.
Willard was passionate about the law and he believed in justice and fairness. He was generous with his time and helped many in need. He was a man of great integrity and was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was an active member of the James River Country Club and the Hampton Roads Assembly. When not practicing law, he could be found on the golf course, boating, or spending time with family and friends.
Willard was preceded in death by his mother, Rosa Robinson; and his father, Willard Montellous Robinson.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Ashby Robinson; two children, Willard Montellous Robinson III, 'Monte' and his wife, Teresa, and Melissa Robinson Link and her husband, Michael; four grandchildren, Emma Leigh, Willard M. IV, 'Will', Michael Joseph Jr., 'Joey' and Megan Ashby; a sister, Betty Mae Williams, her husband, Delmus; and their son, David; and other extended family.
The family would like to thank all of Willard's family and friends who reached out to him during his illness and who otherwise kept him in their prayers.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, at Peninsula Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at First United Methodist Church, officiated by the Rev. John T. LeGault Jr. A private burial will be held in Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 10246 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601, or the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd, Suite A-102, Newport News, VA 23606.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.