James L. (Dick) Robinson

On Friday, September 6, 2013, the Lord opened His doors to heaven and welcomed home His faithful servant, James L.(Dick) Robinson, age 88. James, lovingly called Pap, was born to Lena Kelly Robinson and Ben Robinson July 4, 1925, in Ft. Worth, TX and spent most of his formidable years in Riverside, TX. He graduated from Trinity High School and attended Sam Houston State Teachers College until he proudly joined the Marine Corp. at the age of 18. Pap served his country for four years during W.W. II in the Pacific Campaign. As a topographer, Pap’s talents sent him to places such as, The Philippines, Guam, Tinian, Guadalcanal, and ended up helping in the Repatriation of China for a year after the end of the war. In 1947, Pap began his career as a chemist for Shell Oil Co. in Deer Part, TX where he met and married the love of his life, Bessie Maude Shaw. He continued his career at Shell Oil Co. for 21 years. During these years Pap’s family grew and so did his list of activities. He was a choir director at the First Methodist Church of Deer Park, a Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department, a Farmer’s Insurance Agent, a high school and Jr. College baseball umpire, a realtor, just to name a few. In 1967, Pap moved his family of 7 to Huntsville to join Murray Insurance Agency. He was in the insurance business for over 30 years. He also worked for TDCJ for 10 years as a Counselor Substitute. Among Pap’s favorite past times, playing dominos and cards with family and friends and playing with his grandchildren were his favorites. He also enjoyed gardening and having rotten tomato fights with his kids no matter how old they were. Pap is preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Ben Robinson, sons Mark and Steve and one great-grand daughter Stephanie Ann Miller. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Maudie Robinson, one brother J. B. Robinson, and 4 daughters: Carol Byrd and son-in-law Richard Byrd; Jan Rogers and son-in-law Tom Rogers; Donna Paschall and son-in-law Walter Paschall; Mary Roe and son-in-law Nathan Roe; 13 grand-children; Erin Goode, Andi Miller, Eric Byrd, Ronald Byrd, Ryan Byrd, Amy Dean, Emily Mooney, Cody Phillips, Sara Muskrat, Christina Tyler, Amy Beggs, LeeAnne DeSpain, Wesley Roe; 22 great-grand children; and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be held at the Sam Houston Funeral Home Sunday, September 8, 2013, from 5:00 pm—7:00 pm. Services will be held Monday, September 9, 2013 at Northside Baptist Church on FM 980 at 2:00pm. Internment will follow in the Addicks addition of the Oakwood Cemetary. The family would like to give a special thank you to everyone at the Avalon Place Nursing Home in Trinity, TX for taking such good care of Pap these last 5 months, to everyone at Heart to Heart Hospice for their special care for the entire family as well as Pap, and to all the family and friends who’s visits will be remembered fondly. To all Marines – Semper fi Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

James L. (Dick) Robinson

July 4, 1925 - September 6, 2013