Colby MacKaye Robinson, 33, of Cleveland, Tennessee, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 30, 2016 in Cleveland.
Colby was born in Cleveland on Sept. 26, 1982 to Dr. Don E. Robinson and Dawn R. Robinson. His middle name came from the founder of the Appalachian Trail, Benton MacKaye. In 1986, at age 4, he was successfully treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for cancer after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 2001, where he was a member of the band and the football team. He attended East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Communications.
Like his two brothers, he was an Eagle Scout from Troop 10, Broad Street United Methodist Church and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was a certified scuba diver. His free spirit loved the out of doors, hiking, camping and nature. He loved spending time at the family lake house on Watts Bar Lake and in Northern California where he lived for several years. He was a music fan and particularly the group Widespread Panic. He leaves behind many faithful friends all across the country who loved his ever present smile and joyful giving heart. He was always quick to help others in need or who were going through hard times. His smile lit up the room. His family and friends were the center of his world.
He is survived by his parents, Dr. Don and Dawn Robinson of Cleveland; brothers, Jeffrey B. (J.B.) Robinson of Cleveland , and Gunnery Sergeant USMC Christopher T. (Chris) Robinson of Tuscaloosa, AL; a sister, Amanda B. (Mandy) Robinson Kilpatrick and her husband Jacob Kilpatrick of Oak Ridge, TN; his grandmother, Juanita N. Robinson of Athens, TN; two daughters, Aubrey Dawn Robinson and Hazel Lynn Robinson of Cleveland and their mother Jennifer Wry; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Dr. Arnold T. Rumbolt and Eyloe G. Rumbolt of Knoxville and Fred A. Robinson of Athens.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 pm on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Broad Street United Methodist Church with a funeral service to follow at 7 p.m.
Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis or to Boy Scout Troop 10 at Broad Street United Methodist Church, Cleveland.
Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of funeral arrangements.