Samuel Lee Robinson's Obituary
Samuel L. Robinson Sr., affectionately known as "Poppa and Sam" was born on August 25, 1929 in Ft. Valley, Georgia. Sam, the eldest of 2 sons born to the late Irene Crawford Gardner and Ulysses J. Robinson (aka Eulysses J. Robinson). Sam accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. His mother Irene, being a God fearing woman, brought her two sons up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Sam attended public school in Peach County, Georgia. However, because of his need to work the family farm, he only completed school through the 6th grade. In 1950 he served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. During the Korean Conflict, he was stationed in Munich, Germany where he received the Occupation Medal Germany. After leaving active duty in 1952, he used the GI Bill of Rights to obtain Master Carpenter certification at the Pinellas County Florida Vocational School. Sam received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army in 1956. In 1948 Sam married Doris Glenn. The union was blessed with a daughter, Casandra. However, the marriage did not last. Sam later met Vera Graham, who had 3 children from a previous marriage. Sam and Vera married in Clearwater Florida in 1956; including the birth of their son Sam, Jr, God blessed their union for 60 years, until Poppa's death. As a Master Carpenter, Sam first demonstrated his skill and passion for building when he, along with Brother E.J., constructed Sam's first home 1956. His passion for building lasted for 50 years through his final retirement from William Brothers Lumber in 2004. Highlights and treasures of his work career include becoming the first black employee and manager at Thomas R Hopson a.k.a. Thomas R Hopson, Broker inc. in Marietta, Georgia; mentoring and development of young men professionally and personally; and unselfishly sharing of his knowledge so as to pave the way for the success of others. Sam loved people and he loved to cook, especially grilling. Any given weekend or holiday, Sam would fire up the grill; and he and Vera would invite all family and friends for good eating, good socializing, and good counselling. Sam's barbeque secrets and techniques live on through his children, especially Sam, Jr., and his grandchildren. Poppa was a huge baseball fan. He could talk at length about players, their stats and their teams, from Jackie Robinson to present day. In his last couple of years, he got great joy from getting a favorite candy bar, then sitting in his easy chair, and watching baseball on his TV.... from sunrise to sunset. Sam was not only a master builder in his career, but a master builder in life as well. Sam sought a better opportunity for his career and family and therefore moved the family to New Jersey in 1960 joining the Union Baptist Church under the Pastorate of William Gray III. After experiencing health issues in 1975 the family relocated to Atlanta, GA and joined Antioch Baptist Church North then later Beulah Baptist Church in Decatur, GA. Finally in 2000 Sam became a faithful member of his beloved Ebenezer Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Dr. Joseph Roberts. Sam was committed to God in all things. His commitment to God allowed him to provide leadership, guidance and a solid foundation for his family. Sam constantly instilled in his children the virtues of Godly character with a life built upon the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ. Sam leaves to treasure and cherish his memory: his loving wife of over 60 years, Vera Robinson; two daughters, Nanzetta Sadberry (Frank) Lilburn, GA and Cassandra Robinson Lockett (Glenn) Erie, PA; three sons, Grover Byrdsell (Sharon), Rev. John Byrdsell (Jean) and Samuel Robinson Jr., all of Atlanta, GA; seven grandchildren, Sonja, Kendra, William, Jason, Kandes, Megan and Shannon; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, adopted sons and daughters, and friends.
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