William A Robinson

William A. Robinson

Obituary In His Own Words

Bill Robinson has finally died of his many afflictions at the age of 78, on Saturday, November 26, 2022. A native of Jacksonville, he was a son, brother, husband, father, grandad, cousin, uncle, friend, Floridian, captain, park rat, student, teacher, researcher, adman, writer, composer, humorist, skeptic, go-kart builder, motorcyclist, golfer, traveler, photographer, atheist, and Highlander. He’s survived by his wife and the love of his life, Valerie, beloved daughter Lisa Alessandro, cherished grandson Charlie, devoted sister Helen Oliver (Michael), cousins/sisters Georgeanne & Denise (Paul), wonderful nieces, nephews and second cousins and numerous Canadian in-laws, Bill’s parents, Peggy and Adolph, could not have been better. His great grandfather, Lubens Mais, lived with the family in the modest home he built by hand. Bill was fortunate to have many true friends, some life-long. They may tell you he peaked as Captain of the Ortega Elementary School Boy Patrol, but he was also proud of his membership in the National Honor Society at Lee High, his BS and MA (earned in record time) in Journalism at UF, his UF graduate assistantship and his teaching assignments at UNF. After graduation he was Research Director at WJXT, VP at William Cook Advertising, founder of Robinson Marketing and co-founder and CEO of Robinson & St. John Advertising. He was named Small Businessman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, and Businessman of the Year by the Jaycees. At age 49 he retired and sold his interest to his partner Dan. Bill and Valerie were married two years later, and set off to see the world on motorcycles, where they visited nearly 60 countries (some several times) on 6 continents. Riding included a trip 700 miles into the Arctic Circle, circumnavigating the Black Sea, riding at well over two miles altitude down the spine of the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu, touring both New Zealand Islands and part of Australia, virtually all of Europe, the British Isles, countries from one end of Africa to the other, the mountains of Thailand, coast to coast in the US and north to Canada. All without a scratch. What a ride. Bill also captained Motorcycle Cannonball Team 23 which twice crossed the US on antique motorcycles, making perfect scores. Bill & Valerie additionally made time to save the Metro Diner from closing, operating it successfully for several years before selling it. Bill was involved in numerous charities over the years, his favorites being the Children’s Home Society and Riding Into History. He was fond of saying, “Live your life so that if everyone else was like you, the world would be a wonderful place.” In lieu of flowers, take your loved one out for a nice dinner. Life is short.

Family is planning “William Robinson, The Stories of His Life”, Sunday, January 8, 2023. Epping Forest Yacht Club, 1830 Epping Forest Drive, Jacksonville. Open House from 12:30pm – 1:30pm. Family introductions and His Stories will begin at 1:30pm. Please feel free to tell a short story or anecdote about William/Bill and your relationship with him (3 minutes maximum please) or send your story to Valerie Robinson at [email protected] and a family member will read it.

Heartfelt gratitude to Hematologist/Oncologist and dear friend Unni Thomas, MD who kept William well for so many great years.