John Henry Robinson affectionately known as “Big John” was born in Sumter on March 8, 1946. John was the first born to Linda Dargan and Frank Robinson. The oldest of three siblings, one of whom preceded him in death being his twin sister. On March 8, 1946 no one knew the impact John’s family, friends, community, and the world would experience by his being. John grew up in Dalzell and attended the public schools in Sumter County and graduated from Ebenezer High School in 1964. A self-instructor and educator, John utilized his gifts and his talents and became a perfector of many traits which allowed for him to be the Founder and Owner of Country Best Auto John was first united in marriage with the former Mary Alice Dawson and to this union seven children made their family circle. He was afforded the opportunity to join the United States Army and served for three years traveling the United States and Germany. After serving the Army, John and the family returned to Sumter and he began a career working at SCDC, then as a Meat Cutter at Shaw AFB Commissary, Becton Dickinson that lasted for over twenty plus years, and later worked with Wateree Community Actions. John was also a Notary and performed several marriages. John had several passions: he cherished his family and friends, he enjoyed music, singing, and was the life of every party. He was groomed by his mother who instilled in him the love for Christ and ensured he was baptized and knew and understood God’s will for this life. He was an active member of High Hills AMEC, where he faithfully served on the Board of Trustees and in previous years was a part of the Willing Workers. In the late Seventies, John was a member of the Gospel Quartet the Traveling Six, and for the past five years he has sung with the Hill-Boys and Original World Wonder singers. Those who personally knew John knew there was only one vehicle to buy, ride in, or drive that would be a FORD and it devastated him to ride in anything else. His preference was to drive a FORD. His pass times were spent taking care of the family goats, going fishing on the boat, gardening, and giving his personal gardening classes to those who he proclaimed didn’t know what the - - - - they were doing. If you knew John Henry Robinson, you knew there were a few choice words he would use. He was a jokester and always left you with a story and a laugh. You could find John at the local McDonalds in the early mornings with his “Business Men Morning Club”. Him and several of his community friends gathered for breakfast, coffee, and did as he would say “What Retirees Do, Cut the Fool.” For the past Forty Plus years, John was an active member of the Catchall Masonic Lodge #425th where he served as Past Master since 1990, Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #315, Treasure of Keystone Chapter #43 Holy Royal Arch Mason, one of the Founders of the Paul Hazel Council #27 Order of Knights of Pythagoras, and later became the deputy of the Knights of Pythagoras, and Sublime Prince of CC Johnson Consistory #136. John found a friend while on an electric job in Sumter and they became companions and blended their families together. In 2009, he married the former Arneitta Keitt. They enjoyed life together traveling, hosting, entertaining couples on the weekends, and started their personal garden and mini farm for the family. John was the Patient Advocate for the Kidney Foundation at Sumter Dialysis. He was instrumental in educating patients and family members of the importance of scheduled dialysis treatments and a healthy renal diet. John leaves to celebrate life, his wife of 12 years Arneitta K. Robinson; seven children, Harold Dawson, Melvin (Joann) Dawson, John Vergil (Melissa) Robinson, Veronica Robinson (Thomas) Nickens, Linsey (Gwendolyn) Robinson, Derrick (KeaQuanda) Robinson, and Ernest Atkinson; 23 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; two sisters, Olivia (Eddie) Morant and Reverend Ruth E. Robinson; one brother, David (Ruby) Jackson; two nieces reared in the home, Teresa Dawson and Shakira Robinson; a special nephew, Stanley Dawson; two cousin/sisters, Elder Juanita Dinkins and Mary Moody; one cousin/brother, Jeremiah Moody; two bonus sons, Bobby Maple and James Johnson; six sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and life long friends. In accordance with the COV19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitations at the home from 4 – 8 p. m., 4230 Patriot Parkway, Sumter. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 24, 2021 – 11:00 a. m. in the Kings Highway Community Park, 2035 North Kings Highway (Highway 261 North), Dalzell, with the Rev. Keith R. Mayes, officiating. The procession will leave from the home at 10:30 a. m. Burial will be 12:00 Noon, Friday, June 25, 2021, in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia.
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