Thomas "Tom" A. Robinson

Thomas Allan "Tom" Robinson passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at Elberton Memorial Hospital in Elberton, GA surrounded by his close family.

Born on November 2, 1947, Tom was the son of the late Jenida Gray O’Hare. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Blackmon Robinson. He is also survived by a son, Thomas Allan Robinson, Jr. (Al) and his wife, Sandy, and a daughter, Catherine Robinson Wiley and her husband Will Wiley. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Grace Elizabeth Wiley, Claire Madelyn Wiley, and Thomas Eli Robinson.
Also surviving are his sisters, Carol Sharpe and her husband, Bill, of Spring Mills, PA and Susan Salvin and her husband, Bob, of Charlotte, NC.

Tom grew up in Decatur, Georgia and earned his designation as an Eagle Scout. After high school, he attended the University of Georgia in Athens where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He graduated in 1970 with a B.A. in Business Administration. During college, he was a member of UGA’s Army ROTC program and upon graduation received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served his country with honor during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his action in combat.

After his service in the Army, he moved to what would become his new hometown of Elberton and began an almost 40-year career in the granite industry. He proudly promoted Elberton’s granite industry around the world. After beginning his career in sales, he transitioned to the Elberton Granite Association in 1981 as the Assistant to the Executive Vice President. In 1991 he assumed the position of Executive Vice President and served in that role until 2009. During his career, he earned the professional designation of Certified Association Executive and a Certified Memorialist. He received recognition by the American Institute of Commemorative Art and was given the Presidential Award by the Monument Builders of North America.

Outside of his career in the granite industry, Tom sought ways to serve Elbert County and its people. A member of First Baptist Church of Elberton, he enjoyed serving his church family as a deacon for many years. His generous spirit of volunteerism led him to various civic organizations where he served his community. He was a former member and past president of the Elberton Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He also served on the Elbert County Development Authority. He served 12 years on the Elbert Memorial Hospital Authority, serving two terms as chairman. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors for Petersburg Towers and Petersburg Village. Personally, Tom enjoyed running, fly fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Funeral services honoring the life of Tom Robinson will be held Friday, July 15, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Elberton at 3:00 pm. A time of visitation will be held in the church Fellowship Hall from 12:30 to 2:30 immediately prior to the funeral. A private burial with family members will be in Elberton’s Elmhurst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Elberton at 132 Heard St., the Elbert Memorial Hospital Foundation, at 4 Medical Drive, Elberton, GA, or Good News for India, P.O. Box 7576, LaVerne, CA 91750.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Thomas Allan "Tom" Robinson.