Gene Robinson

“Most assuredly I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he shall never see death.” John 8:51  It is this scripture and so many more that give us the assurance that on Sunday, June 23, 2024, James Eugene (Gene) Robinson walked from his earthly life and into the arms of Jesus.  He was met there by his parents, Jack and Emma Lue Robinson, his brother Gerald Robinson, his nephew, Alex Robinson, his mother and father-in-law, Herschel and Clydia Radford and his brother-in-law, Michael Candler.  

A true farmer at heart, it was fitting that Gene’s 73 years of life began on a farm in Leicester, North Carolina and that his life was completed on a farm in eastern North Carolina.  

Gene never met a stranger and it was his welcoming personality and sense of easy grace that afforded him the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those he met.  His love will live on through his wife of 52 ½ years, Jane Radford Robinson, his daughter Cortney Gordon and her husband Adam; and his granddaughters Mallorie and Hadley Gordon.  Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Beth Candler, his nephew Nicholas Candler and his wife Rebekah, and their children Caleb and Kailyn; his niece, Caroline Candler and her partner James Greene; and his nephew, Cody Robinson.

Passion, devotion, and heart are just a few of the words used to describe how Gene felt about his 40 year career as a Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern switchman and conductor. Although he was an avid reader, no stories he ever read were as great as the ones he told from his years working on the railroad. 

Gene’s life was characterized by giving and that was evidenced through his service as a deacon at Weaverville Baptist and Woodland Hills Baptist Church, his work with the prison ministry, his commitment as a Sunday School teacher, and his dedication as a presenter for North Carolina Operation Lifesaver.  It is only fitting that Gene chose so many years ago to give the physical gift of life to others even after his passing.  Through his donation to Honor Bridge, many others received the gift of life in the days following June 23.  

Please join us on August 10 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Weaverville Community Center for a time of fellowship to celebrate a life well lived. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene Robinson, please visit our floral store.