Dr. David Wardlaw Robinson, Jr.

Dr. David (Sonny) W. Robinson Jr., husband of Thyra Lee Storey Robinson, passed away on November 14, 2024. He was born on September 9, 1928 in Troy SC to the late David W. Robinson Sr. and Edna Lee Babb Robinson. 

Dr. Robinson was a graduate of Greenwood High School. He furthered his education by attending Clemson University and Erskine College where he graduated in 1955. He earned his Master’s degree from Western Carolina University in 1964 and his Doctorate of Education in 1979 from Nova University in Florida.

Dr. Robinson honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was deployed to Germany and completed two years of gunnery maneuvers during the Korean War.

The family moved to Lake Placid FL in 1957. He began a career in education as a guidance counselor at the high school level. He also taught Math and the gifted. He was soon made Assistant Principal of the then, 1st through 12th grade school and later was made Principal of the, separated, Elementary school. He retired after 35 years of dedicated service to the school system.

Dr. Robinson was a member of the Stonewall Mason Lodge in Troy SC for over 75 years. He was also a Hejaz Shriner. He had been a member of the Kiwanis Club in Lake Placid FL and had been on the Board of Trustee’s at Erskine College. He was a devoted member of the Troy Presbyterian Church.

Family life was a priority, sitting down to eat as a family, teaching his children to love the outdoors and travel. Education was also a priority. Dave and Thyra were both proud that all four of their children graduated from college and made many sacrifices themselves to help make that happen. Dr. Robinson had a Private Pilot license with an instrument rating and owned his own airplane. He flew cross-country, FL to SC, but really enjoyed sight- seeing, flying “low and slow”. In 2019, Thyra and Dave moved to McCormick SC to live with David and Kathy on their ancestral farm.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Elizabeth Getz, Mildred Ballinger and Louise O’Cain and recently, son Walt Robinson.

Dr. Robinson is survived by his wife of 73 years, Thyra; two sons, David III (Kathy) and Tom (Tracy) Robinson; daughter Tammy Robinson; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 

Dr. Robinson was buried in Troy Cemetery. A service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, November 29, 2024, in Troy Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. John Paul Marr officiating.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Robinson family.