Obituary of Joe Taylor Robinson

Joe T. Robinson, Sr. was born May 12, 1940 in McNeil, Arkansas to the late George "Jack" and Mittie Pearl Robinson. He was the middle son of eight children. He confessed his love for Christ at an early age. After finishing high school, Joe T. enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17 years. He received a good conduct medal and rose to Sergeant Artillery Gunner. He also served in Korea from 1957 to 1959. He was very proud of these accomplishments. After serving in the Army, he received an honorable discharge in 1963. Following his tours of duty, Joe moved to Dayton, Ohio where he met and married, Joyce Ann Blue. From this union, they had five children. In 1968, Joe moved the family to Detroit, Michigan. He worked at Detroit Steel where he became the first black supervisor. After Detroit Steel closed its doors in 1983, he began working at Detroit Edison. Joe retired from Detroit Edison in 2001 as a millwright and electrician journeyman. Not only was Joe the family patriarch, he was the family historian. He would give lessons on the family's rich history on a regular basis. Joe also did a great job of keeping the family together by making sure the family reunions occurred faithfully. Joe was preceded in death by his son Darryl Darnell Robinson and his siblings Burner Robinson, Margaret Robinson, Willie T. Robinson and Dorothy Robinson. He leaves to cherish his memories his children Audrey Robinson, Joe T. Robinson, Jr., George (Sheila) Robinson, Keith McBride (Latonya), all of Detroit, Michigan. Nancy Brown of Las Vegas, Nevada and Terry Winslow of Dayton, Ohio and grandchildren, great grand children, nieces, nephews and a host of loving relatives and friends. He also leaves to cherish his memory three sisters, Reba Witt of Cleveland, Ohio, Carrie Jean (James) Hollaway of Detroit, Michigan and Mary Dean Jones of Magnolia, Arkansas. Funeral services for Mr. Robinson will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Bethany Baptist Church, McNeil, AR. Burial will follow at Kendrick Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Service. www.hendersonsmortuary.com