Walter Leonard Robinson, Jr.

Mr. Walter Leonard Robinson, Jr. lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 20, 2012, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Leonard was born August 28th, 1928 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late W.L. (Robbie) Robinson Sr. and Virginia Proctor Robinson. Leonard graduated from Georgia Military Academy in 1945 and then attended the University of Georgia earning degree in Business Administration in 1950. Leonard married Bobbie Jo Proctor on May 27th, 1951 in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Charlotte, NC in 1955. Leonard worked in the securities business since graduating from college, working for Courts and Company in Greenville, NC and then Rocky Mount, NC. Leonard left Courts and Company to start his own company, Southeastern Securities with three associates and opened offices in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Spartanburg. NYSE brokerage firm Hornblower, Weeks, Hemphill, Noyes was interested in opening an office in the Southeast and merged with Southeastern Securities wherein he became a vice president with the other Southeastern Securities Associates. After 27 years in the securities business, Leonard decided to make a change and bought a farm in Huntersville, NC becoming a part time farmer. His interest in farming and trips to the local hardware store peaked his interest in owning a hardware store. In 1978, Leonard purchased Providence True Value Hardware Store on South Sharon Amity Road. In 1980 the store burned to the ground and was rebuilt after being out of business for three months. Leonard loved working on the hardware store and would always go out of the way to help others in need. After hurricane Hugo came through Charlotte, Leonard opened the store even though there was no power and sold much needed supplies to the community. True Value even sent a special truck of supplies to help those affected by the hurricane. Providence Hardware closed in April 30, 2003 after 25 years of ownership. April 15th, 2003 was declared "Leonard Robinson Day" in Mecklenburg County in honor of his service to the community and city of Charlotte. After closing the hardware store, and never one to sit still, Leonard then earned his real estate license and joined his wife Bobbie Jo as a real estate agent at Allen Tate Realty. Leonard enjoyed several years at Allen Tate and made many good lifelong friends and acquaintances during their time there until they eventually retired for good in 2007. Leonard was a charter member of Grace Methodist Church and then a charter member of Sharon United Methodist Church. He has served on the local and district levels within the United Methodist Church. Leonard supported multiple activities within Sharon UMC and was always passionate about and supported the Boy Scouts of America. Leonard also served on the Aldersgate Board of Directors for 10 years. Leonard was always involved with community activities and was a Medallion Member of the Charlotte Civitan Club for over 50 tears. In the 1950's, Leonard became active in Little League baseball and not only coached but served as Chairman of the Charlotte Civitan Club Little League Baseball in 1956-57. Leonard earned Outstanding Service awards in 1959, 1960, and 1961 and served as President in 1990 and 1991. Even this past Christmas, Leonard was out setting up and delivering Claxton Fruit Cakes to local grocery stores. Leonard also loved roses and always had a rose bed at home. He took meticulous care of his roses and loved to share their beauty with others often delivering them to local businesses and friends. His love of roses was exemplified by his serving on the Board of Directors of the McGill Rose garden. Leonard's generosity was also extended through his delivery of freshly cooked peanuts to many smiling faces. Those left to cherish Leonard's memory are his love of his life, wife of 61 years, Bobbie Jo; sister Daisie Jane Stewart of Macon, Georgia; three children: Walter Leonard Robinson III and his wife Millie of Concord, NC; Virginia Elizabeth Robinson of Charlotte, NC; Robert Brian Robinson and wife Pam of Appomattox, VA; seven grandchildren: Melanie Trapp and husband Eddie of Supply, NC, Michael Robinson of Charlotte, NC, Amanda Dalton of Fredricksburg, VA, Renee and Lindsey Robinson of Richmond, VA, Rachel Webster of Appomattox, VA, and Blake Robinson of Winchester, VA; and two great-grandchildren: Amanda and Ashley Trapp of Supply, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leonard's name to Sharon United Methodist Church Music Ministry, Sharon United Methodist Boy Scout Troop 355, or the Sharon United Methodist Church Discretionary Fund. -

Service Information

Friday, February 24th, 2012 2:00pm, Sharon United Methodist Church

Interment Details

Sharon United Methodist Church