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William Robbins Obituary
Rocky Mount
William G. Robbins II, age 63, died peacefully at home Wednesday, November 2, 2011 following a courageous, two-year battle with cancer.
A native and lifelong resident of Rocky Mount, NC, he is predeceased by his parents, Charles Austin Robbins and wife Norma.
He is survived by his wife, Melanie Nagel Robbins of the home; a daughter, Betsy Michau and husband Jarrett; and grandsons, Miles and Riley of London, England; and son, John Robbins and wife Lauren of Augusta, Georgia.
He is also survived by his brother, Charles Austin "Chuck" Robbins, Jr. and wife Grace; and his sister, Dee Gibson and husband Stewart, all of Rocky Mount; loving in-laws; as well as many nieces and nephews who knew him as "Uncle Willy"..
Bill attended public schools in Rocky Mount, graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1966. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 7, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
He was a 1970 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1968 - 1974.
In 1970, Bill joined his family business, Carolina Office Equipment Company, and ultimately became a principal and owner of the company along with his father and brother in a distinguished career that spanned over 30 years.
He was active in numerous civic and community programs and proudly served as President of the Advisory Committee of the Salvation Army as well as President of Meal on Wheels.
The family wishes to express its deepest love and appreciation to the medical staffs at Duke University, with special love to Dr. Cristina Gasperetto and her team of caregivers, as well as Nash Health Systems.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Bill Robbins will be held at 2:00p.m. on Sunday, November 06, 2011 at Lakeside Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.
That family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27803 or the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1977, Rocky Mount NC 27802 or the Amyloidosis Research Foundation, 7151 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Clarkston MI 48346.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the Robbins family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Robbins
Sandra Sucharski
November 12, 2011
All whose lives were touched by Bill Robbins share wonderful memories of his gentle spirit and his huge heart. We were fortunate to have known him and will treasure the joy he brought to those around him. His beautiful
Jane Graham
November 7, 2011
Melanie,
I am so sorry about Bill. I will be praying for you and your precious family.
Jane Austin Graham
November 6, 2011
To the Robbins and Gibson families: We are so very sorry for your loss. Bill was truly an inspiration to all. Our hearts are heavy with his passing. May God wrap his arms around you all and bring you peace and comfort.
Teresa, Al, Jimmy and Anna Catherine Bullard
November 5, 2011
With heavy hearts we mourn the loss of Bill. He was one of the kindest men we knew...
Donna and Page Keel
Bradford Sneeden
November 5, 2011
I came to know Mr. Robbins through his nephew Duncan Gibson and his son John while we were roomates after college. I will always remember fondly the times he would come over and watch a ballgame or take us out to dinner. He was such a happy guy who loved life, I know he will be severly missed. My heart and prayers go out to both the Robbins family and the Gibson family for their loss.
Gerald Ange
November 4, 2011
Melanie & Family: I am saddened by and regret your loss. Bill was an honorable man with integrity and compassion. He will be missed by all that knew him. Sincere condolences to each of you.
Gray Marrow
November 4, 2011
I fortunately witnessed what a loving and devoted man Bill was to his family when I taught Betsy in kindergarten many years ago. I have always remembered this lovely family. We pray God will comfort you all during this time.
November 4, 2011
"I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you. Look forward to seeing your loved one again." A Fiend
Harry Bryant, Jr
November 4, 2011
Bill made a herculean effort to be at his Phi Delta Theta reunion last Friday night. it is a date that will never be forgotten by the brothers and wives who were in attendance. As long as we are living, Bill Robbins will be at the top of the "the person every one loved" list!!
Terri Joyner
November 4, 2011
Melanie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and be with you and the family during this difficult time.
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