Cecil Leon Robinson

Cecil Leon Robinson went to be with The Lord Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at the age of 87. Leon a lifelong resident and active community member of Newton, NC passed peacefully at Catawba Valley Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones.

Leon was born August 28, 1925 in Mooresville, North Carolina to Annie Lee Evans Robinson and Willie Gray Robinson. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Newton, North Carolina where he spent his life building a community, a business and his loving family.

Leon attended Newton-Conover High School and was part of the graduating class of 1943. Leon served in the United States Air Force on the Pacific Theatre until 1946. Upon discharge from the military, Leon enrolled in Lenoir-Rhyne College and was a member of the graduating class of 1950. While at Lenoir-Rhyne College, he met Jean Angel Moser. Leon and Jean were married on April 14, 1951. In 1951, Leon acquired partial ownership in Twin City Builders. In 1975, Leon changed the name of Twin City Builders to Robinson Builders Mart of Newton Inc. Leon was a life-long member of Grace Reformed Church, now known as Grace United Church of Christ, serving as Deacon and Elder. Through the years, Leon has been a member and worked with Catawba Country Club, Lions Club, Toast Master Club, Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, Catawba County Industrial Development Committee and the City of Newton Board.

Leon is survived by daughters Deborah Jean Robinson of Newton, NC and Pamela Robinson Knuckles of Hickory, NC; Grandchildren Taylor Austin Knuckles and wife, Leslie VanDyke Knuckles of Conover, NC, Cameron Palmes Smith and husband Captain Justin Garrett Smith of Wilmington, NC, Sarah Robinson Palmes of Charlotte, NC, and Maggie Leigh Knuckles of Greensboro, NC; Great-grandchildren Hunter Clark and Sydni Knuckles.

Leon is predeceased by wife Jean Moser Robinson.

Please join the family and friends to celebrate the life of Leon on Friday, October 19, 2012 at Grace United Church of Christ at 3:00 PM for a celebration of life service. Rev. Ryan Brakemeyer and Rev. Marion Powell will officiate. Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. on Friday at Grace United Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, 117 East J Street, Newton, NC 28658; Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658; Salvation Army, PO Box 67, Hickory, NC 28603; or to Corner Table, PO Box 1051, Newton, NC 28658.

Special thanks to all the kind friends who provided so much love and support to Leon and the family, Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home for handling the arrangements, and Grace United Church of Christ.