Peyton Cater Robinson Sr.

Peyton Cater Robinson, Sr., age 73, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on March 4, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Peyton is survived by his wife, Mary Beem Robinson, of Atlanta, Georgia; his son Peyton C. Robinson, Jr., (Lucinda) of Atlanta, Georgia; E. Alexander Robinson (Jane) of Charleston, South Carolina. Peyton is also survived by his grandchildren Peyton, III and Harry. He is preceded in death by his father English Robinson, Sr. and his mother, Ermine Cater Robinson and his brother English Robinson, Jr. Peyton was born on March 10, 1943 in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Morris Brandon Elementary and was a 1961 graduate of Westminster Schools, where he still holds many athletic records. In 1972 Peyton was inducted into the Westminster Hall of Fame for his extraordinary impact on the athletic program. He was widely considered the best athlete of his generation, excelling in football, of which he was named an all-state player at Westminster, and also at soccer, of which he was a star of the school's first soccer team. So few schools played soccer at that time in the 60's that the team usually had to travel out of state to find a team to play against. Though not a big person, Peyton was so powerful that people still talk about remembering the impact of colliding with him on the field. "Pey Pey" was a true and loyal friend to so many, and once a month or so, up to a few weeks before his passing, he would regularly have lunch at The White House restaurant in Buckhead with a dozen or so friends he grew up with, although he often needed to be called the morning of the lunch to remind him to be there. Acquaintances and strangers would often come over to greet him and remind him that they played against him in one game or another, something they remained proud of and recalled vividly over half a century later. Peyton was offered numerous football scholarships and chose to play for the University of Georgia where he earned a degree in business and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He married Mary Beem Robinson on May 23, 1969. Peyton was a real estate broker starting with Sharp-Boylston Realty. He continued his career at West Lumber Company. Peyton enjoyed hunting and fishing with his lifelong friends and enjoyed great food and a fine martini. Peyton traveled all over the world to hunt game and fish. His annual trip to Costa Rica was the highlight of his year. The group's mission was often quoted, "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: WOW What a ride!" Peyton was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club, The Nine O'Clocks, The Roundtable, Society of Colonial Wars and The 300 Club to name a few. Peyton was a Director of the H. English and Ermine C. Robinson Foundation where he and his family directed many generous grants to deserving charities. Peyton and his family continue the legacy of philanthropic projects. The Robinson family was instrumental in building The First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on Peachtree Street and the fifth generation enjoys services there at present. Peyton's Mother spent many hours tracing their family roots back to various kings of England, and his distinguished Atlanta family played an important role in building the city, with his great grandfather Captain James English, serving as Mayor of Atlanta in the 1880's. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00am on Tuesday, March 7, at The First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Peyton's life. The family will accept visitors at Patterson's Funeral Home at Spring Hill on Monday, March 6 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The family would like to thank The One Group and Daniel Companions for the excellent care provided Peyton during his last illness. A special thanks to Shirley Mason, a long-time friend of the family for 34 years who evoked some of Peyton's last words, "Shirley, shut up!" when she continued to fuss over him. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 or The Charley Brake Fund, c/o The Westminster Schools, 1424 West Paces Ferry Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30327