Rodney Mitchell Robinson

He was born in Gadsden, Alabama, on March 19, 1951, to Arthur Patrick Robinson and Allie Marie Bowling Robinson. He attended Cory Elementary, Litchfield Junior High, and Gadsden High School, graduating in 1969. He went on to attend Jacksonville State University and the University of Alabama, earning his degree in 1974. An early claim to fame came when he opened the famed Buffalo Bar with Paul Piazza, becoming the youngest person to receive a liquor license in the state of Alabama. He later served as a firefighter with the Gadsden Fire Department for 25 years, rising to the rank of commander and serving as president of Local 454.

He married Robin (Holston) Robinson on May 30, 1976. He was a fun and loving father to his three girls, Rachel Marie Robinson (David Fuller), Amanda Lea Robinson (Joachim Moortgat), and Emily Virginia Robinson Warren (Will Warren). He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren — Virginia Anne Warren (5), Cypress Nathaniel Fuller (5), Penelope Rebecca Warren (3), and Robinson William Warren (4 months) — all of whom inherited his trademark dimples. He is also survived by his brother, Barry “Oscar” Robinson (Jane Robinson), who was as much his buddy as his brother; their afternoons on the pontoon were among the happiest moments of his later years.

He lives on through his family, his many lifelong friends, and all the stories he told us over the years.

Visitation will be held at Collier Butler Funeral Home on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 3:00–4:30 p.m., followed by a brief service.

He will be buried at Union Hill Cemetery the following day in the presence of his family.