William Harden Robison III

Dr. William H. Robison (Bill) age 80 of Rome, GA, passed away Wednesday, March 2. He was born in Quantico, VA, on December 12, 1935, to William H. Robison, Jr. (Robby) and Sadie Mae Bentley Robison.

He was married to Eleanor Hale Robison on June 16, 1957, and was preceded in death by her on January 22, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents and by his infant grandson, Samuel Tribble Hale Robison.

Survivors include a son, William H. Robison, IV, (Robbie), and his wife Leigh, a daughter, Sheilah Robison Shealy, grandsons William H. Robison, V, (Quinn), Ian Tribble Robison (Tribb) and his wife Teresa, all of Rome, and Morgan Hale Shealy of Marietta, sisters, Betsy Bork and her husband, Curt of Canton, and Melissa Donaldson, and her husband, Don of Thomasville.

Dr. Robison graduated as valedictorian of Winder Barrow High School. A graduate of the University of Georgia, he earned a bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctorate degrees in music education. He previously served as band director for Clarke County Schools, assistant professor of music at Georgia College, supervisor of music for Bibb County Schools, as well as instructor for the Governor's Honors Program. He then was professor of music at Berry College from 1972 until his retirement in 1999. He served as president of Georgia Music Educators Association from 1975-1977, and served on the board for more than 30 years. He was honored for distinguished service to music education by GMEA. He has been named to Outstanding Educators of America, Who's Who in the South and Southwest, and International Who's Who in Music. A life member of Phi Mu Alpha, Dr. Robison started the Berry College chapter in 1974 and served as its advisor for 20 years. Other professional organizations to which he belonged included Phi Beta Mu, Pi Kappa Lamda, Phi Eta Sigma, Kappa Pi Kappa, Music Educators National Conference, the National Band Association, the International Trumpet Guild, National Association of Jazz Educators, and the College Band Directors Association.

Dr. Robison was a member of the Rome Symphony Orchestra for 28 years. He also played in the Clocktower Jazz Ensemble, Applescraps Jazz Quintet, Roman Festival Brass, and Northwest Georgia Winds.

He was an elder, trustee, choir member, and former Chairman of the Board of First Christian Church.

A memorial service for Dr. Robison was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5 at First Christian Church, Rome, with the Reverends Horace Stewart and Craig MacDonald officiating. Interment followed at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Winder, GA at 3:00 p.m. The family received friends Friday evening at Daniel's Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church , 209 East. 2nd Ave., Rome, GA 30161.