Carl Robinson

Family will receive friends on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Southfield Community Missionary Baptist Church, 1399 Augmont Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207. In lieu of flowers donations can be to: Alpha Rho Lambda Education Foundation; P.O. Box 361883 Columbus, OH 43236 or Southfield Community Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship; P.O. Box 77527, Columbus OH 43207.

CARL B. ROBINSON

Sunrise: May 25, 1926 Sunset: September 26, 2024

Carl B. Robinson was born in Covington, Virginia, on May 25, 1926, to Phillip Robinson and Josephine Brooks Robinson. He attended Watson Elementary and high school in Covington. In his early teens, he accepted Christ at Wrightsville Baptist Church.

In 1944, he entered the U.S. Army before completing his high school requirements, which he later obtained in 1946. He received his training at Fort Dix in New Jersey and joined the Army Signal Corps. He received additional training as a telephone services lineman at Fort Mammoth, New Jersey. Carl was stationed in the Philippines and Okinawa, where he performed heavy construction duties, as well as a lineman setting up communication on surrounding islands, including Iwo Jima. He also served as a Military Policeman for a brief time. In 2009, he participated in the Honor Fights to see the WWII Memorial in Washington DC and visit historical sites.

After his military service, he entered West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University) in 1948. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanic Arts in 1952. While at WVSC, he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Zeta chapter in April 1950. He also met Evelyn Louise Jackson, from Covington, Kentucky, who he married in 1953.

Carl moved to Columbus in 1952 to work at DCSC. Despite his military experience as a lineman, he was refused employment at Ohio Bell. He recalled that they stated, “you make more where you are than you’ll make here.” He worked at the Columbus State School (now Columbus Developmental Center) as an Industrial Arts instructor until his retirement in 1984 after 32 years. In the early years of his employment, CCS served students who were permanent residents with moderate disabilities. He served as President of the Columbus State School Credit Union for fifteen years. After retiring, he worked as a substitute teacher for Columbus City Schools until the age of seventy-six.

He became a Mason in the Archie Wright Lodge #311 in Covington, VA, and maintained his membership when it merged becoming Crescent-Wright Lodge #97, which is still located in Covington. He continued his affiliation with them for years even after his move to Columbus.

He was active in the Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha since the 1960’s. For many years he served as Sergeant of Arms; he was on the committee that established the Alpha Rho Lambda Education Foundation. In 2021, Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter made him a Life Member of the chapter.

Carl and Evelyn moved to Southfield in 1958, which led to their connection to Southfield Community Missionary Baptist Church. He served in many positions within the church over the years: Trustee; Chairman of the Trustee Board; Chairman of the Building committee; Superintendent of Sunday School; Sunday School Teacher – Adult Class; Laymen; Lay Speaker and performed other duties he was asked to do. He stated: “I thank God for the many years that he has given me to serve and do his will here at Southfield Baptist. I have been blessed, Praise the Lord.”

Carl departed this life on Thursday, September 26, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn J. Robinson and infant daughter Lisa Renee Robinson, his parents and sister. He is survived by his daughter, Carla A. Robinson; first cousin of Covington VA, Mabel Jordan; many second cousins in Covington, Virginia; Covington, Georgia; Temple Hill, Maryland, and friends.