Ed Robinson
Edward F. “Ed” Robinson, 86, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2019. He was the husband of Ann Robinson and they were married for 65 years.
He was born in Chattanooga, Tn., to the late Roscoe and Vida Robinson. He moved to Nashville, Tn. and returned to Chattanooga to attend what was then the University of Chattanooga. Following graduation in 1954, he joined the U.S. Army and was on active duty for two years and served in the Army Reserves for another 10 years retiring with the rank of Captain.
He started out as an auditor at Interstate Life in Chattanooga. Over a 25-year career he became the youngest VP in the history of the company, which had been in business since 1909. He made it to the top floor and was Executive VP and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Interstate Fire until Interstate merged with Gulf Life In 1980.
Although he chose not to move to Florida after the merger, the President of Gulf Life wrote him thanking him for his assistance and professionalism during the merger saying, “I have never worked with anyone more reliable, honest and responsible than you. You have the character, talents and intelligence to make it big wherever you go.”
He accepted a position as a Budget Officer with TVA and retired in 1995. He and Ann were avid collectors of primitive antiques and he operated Ridgecrest Antiques in East Brainerd for over 30 years. After closing “The Shop” in 2010 Ed realized he still needed to stay busy and be around others so he joined Russell Security where he worked part time until just last year.
He was formerly an Elder of Brainerd Hills Presbyterian Church, a Boy Scout Leader and in addition to Interstate, served on numerous corporate boards including Valley Psychiatric Hospital in Chattanooga and U.S. Nuclear in Oak Ridge, Tn.
He is survived by his wife Ann Robinson and their four children: sons Wade (Susan) of Cornelius NC, Matt (Amy), Mark (Sue), daughter Meg Ammerman and Joanie Robinson who he considered a daughter, all of Chattanooga, 10 grandchildren: Karen Tinsley of Chattanooga, Elizabeth Ross of Chattanooga, Ash Robinson (Julio) of Encinitas California, Matt Robinson Jr. (Lidia), Mary Moore (David), Wade Robinson Jr., Mark Chad Robinson, Jr. (Megan), Michael Robinson (Tiffanie) all of Chattanooga, Emily Burke (Adam) of Raleigh and Abigail Robinson of Chattanooga along with 14 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
He was predeceased by his parents Roscoe L. and Vida E. Robinson, and his grandson Chip Cummings.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on Sunday, March 24, from 2-5 p.m. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Chattanooga (Tonya, Laura and Jill) and Joanie Robinson for their kind and caring service over the last six months. The Family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Hospice of Chattanooga.
Please share your memories of ED with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.