Donald Bruce Robbins

Donald “Bruce” Robbins, 84, a devoted family man whose kindness to animals was legendary, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025. He was born July 29, 1941, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Nellie Elizabeth Bass, who loved him and did her best for him. He was a longtime resident of Jacksonville, Florida.

Known to friends and family as Bruce, he was a lifelong learner who overcame severe childhood hardships to build a solid career and support his family. He obtained his GED prior to 1979, when he earned his Certified Professional Manager credential from the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Jacksonville University. In his early adult years, Bruce was proud to have served for six years in the Florida Army National Guard. Following his National Guard service, Bruce began his career with Winn-Dixie’s Blue Arrow soap plant and worked his way up to the title of Plant Superintendent. He retired in the year 2000 with 38 years of service.

Whether bowling strikes, cycling the Baldwin Rail Trail, or cheering for the Braves, Bruce embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. From the early 1980s to 2025, Bruce was an avid league bowler and member of the United States Bowling Congress. In later years, he traded in his road bike for a stationary bicycle, which he often rode as many as 30 miles a day. Bruce was a huge sports fan who loved watching his favorite teams—the Atlanta Braves, the Florida State Seminoles, and the Jacksonville Jaguars—with family and friends. He cherished his family and was a good provider. His gentle spirit extended beyond his family to treasured pets, as well as the cats in his neighborhood who enjoyed three meals a day plus snacks.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents and his sister Pat Kent. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Frances “Charlotte” Robbins, his sister Gail Davidson and his brother Jerry Smith. He also leaves his three children: Douglas Robbins and wife Amy Robbins, Derek Copeland and wife Michaela Tashjian, and Amy Copeland and husband Charles Beyer. His beloved grandchildren include Alyssa Robbins and partner Joseph Freeman, Cole Robbins and wife Faith Robbins, Amelie Copeland, Oliver Copeland, Lawrence Copeland, and his great-grandson Kairo Robbins.

The celebration of life will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, in the Buckman Chapel at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, 32205.