Harold Robinson's Obituary
Harold Morris “Butch” Robinson, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2011. He leaves his beloved wife of 57 years, Laura Jean Ozanne Robinson; daughters, Elizabeth Bright “Beth” Robinson Mitchell (Chuck); Laura Ozanne “Laurie” Robinson (Daneel Buring); and Sue Horton Robinson Head (Hayden). Butch, the oldest son of Elizabeth and Harold Robinson, Sr., was born in Memphis in 1928. He was an outstanding all-around athlete at Central High School. After his service in the U.S. Army, he attended Memphis State College and began his award-winning career in advertising at Cole & Company, which evolved into Harding & Robinson and later Robinson Advertising. Butch was a published lyricist and was named the “poet laureate” of Union Avenue by a columnist for the Memphis Press Scimitar, who admired his daily poems on an advertising sign. He was a longtime member of the University Club of Memphis and of Chickasaw Country Club, where he was the 1985 Senior Golf Club Champion. He also once held the title of Memphis City Champion in doubles handball. Butch served on the board of MIFA and LeBonheur. The family is especially grateful for the compassionate care he received from his caregivers Michelle Harris, Martha Davis, Regina Wilkins, Janice Wilson, and the dedicated team from Crossroads Hospice. He is preceded in death by his son Harold Morris “Hal” Robinson III and is also survived by four grandchildren Whitt Robinson Mitchell, Reid Robinson Mitchell, Henry Oswald “Heno” Head II, and Laura Jane “Lanie” Head; and brothers Donald Reese “Don” Robinson of Germantown, TN, and John Michael “Mickey” Robinson of Greenwich, CT. A private burial will be held Friday afternoon, May 20th, at Memorial Park. The visitation will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2011, in the Parish Hall at St. Peter Catholic Church (190 Adams Avenue) followed by a memorial service there at 12:00. The family requests that memorials be sent to Madonna Learning Center, 7007 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN, 38138; Page Robbins Adult Day Care, 1961 S. Houston Levee Rd., Collierville, TN, 38017; or a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?