It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Alford Robinson, Sr. who passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on September 20, 1940, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, he was the third of six children (Jake, Cecil, Basil, Earl (Butch), and Shyrl) born to Jake Stanley Robinson and Daisy Purnell Robinson.

He graduated from Chaloner High School in 1960 earning a High School Diploma.  He started out as a hospital orderly in Schenectady, New York.  He was a Bellman at the Meridan Hill Hotel in Washington D.C.  He then served as an orderly at the Old Soldiers Home in Washington, D.C. tending to our nation's wounded warriors and veterans.  He then had a successful career as an alcohol counselor with the District of Columbia for over 30 years where he helped countless individuals break free of alcohol addiction to live productive lives.  After retiring as an alcohol counselor, he continued his life of service through the Rappahannock Community Service Board Group Home Program where he served the mentally and physically disabled.

A man of many skills and passions, his hobbies included landscaping, photography, cooking, music, basketball, equipment repair, fishing, and many others.  A compassionate, down to earth, and empathetic man, Raymond connected easily with people from various backgrounds who found in him a sympathetic ear, wise counselor, and loyal friend.

Yet, his chief joy and passion was towards his family.  He was the devoted husband to Shirley Ann Robinson for 63 years, a loving father to Angela, Crystal, Raymond, and Dawn, and was passionate about spending time with his grandchildren.  Forever an optimist, he was the "Encourager-in-Chief" of the Robinson Family who always reminded us that we could be whatever we desired to be if we were willing to work for it.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Angela (her husband Bobby), Crystal, Raymond (his wife Loida), and Dawn; his grandchildren, Christen, Tiffany, Bobby Jr. (his wife Robin), Tia (her husband Brandon), Bryan (his wife Cassie), Kayla, Joshua, Cameron (his wife Samaria), Raymond III, Aaron (Ricco), Aaron, Rebekah, Brooke; nine great grandchildren; his sister, Shyrl; two sister-in-laws, Janice and Joann; and a host of cousins and other relatives.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 PM. A internment will follow immediately at Sylvannah Baptist Church, 8400 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, Virginia 22551.

A gentle giant has fallen among us.  We will miss him greatly and cherish the memories and impact that he has had upon our lives.