Billy Ray Robbins
November 11, 1936 ~ July 10, 2020
Sharpsburg - Billy Ray Robbins, age 83, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020. Born in Nash County, NC on November 11, 1936, he was the son of the late Doner Robbins and Emma Gertie Robbins. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jean Carolyn Robbins; two brothers, Dallas Dofers Robbins and John Doner Robbins.
Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory, sons, Scotty Glenn Robbins and wife Suzanne Elmore Robbins, of Smyrna, TN and Michael Leigh Robbins, of Clearwater, FL. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Shelby Glenn Robbins, of Nashville, TN, Sara Kathryn Robbins, of Broomfield, CO, Tracy Lynn Robbins, of Clarksville, TN, and 3 nephews: Danny Eugene Robbins, of Rocky Mount, JD Robbins, Sharpsburg and Phillip Robbins. He also leaves behind many Beloved ABU Brothers as he joins other ABU's that have made their final jump before him.
After graduating from high school, Billy Joined the Army in 1957, volunteered to be a Paratrooper and was assigned as a Private to ABU Company of the famed 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. During his 30 years in the Army he served an overseas tour in Germany from 1960-62; a tour of Combat in Vietnam 1965-66; Master Rifle Instructor, Graduated OCS at Ft. Benning GA as a 2nd LT. Was an Instructor at the famed RANGER school; Returned to Vietnam for a 2nd Combat Tour from 1969-70; Instructor at the "Kit Carson Scout" Program; Became Captain and Commander of an Airborne Infantry Company; Served a 2nd Tour in Germany from 1975-77; and served his last (2) overseas tour of duty in South Korea from 1982-84. At the end he was the 1st Sargent for the Famed "Head Quarters Company, US Army" at Ft. Meyer, Va. He Retired after 30 Years at the Rank of Lt. Colonel.
He received Numerous Awards, Including: The Silver Star, Two Bronze Stars W/Oak Leaf, The Army Commendation Medal W/"V" Device, Legion of Merit, South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, The Air Medal, The Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Wings, The RECONDO Tab, German & South Vietnamese Wings, Presidential Citations, Expert Rifle Badge, and NUMEROUS: Achievement, meritorious, Commendation, Valorous and Service Medals & Awards!
During his career He managed to also earn his college BA degree by taking night courses while in the Army, Thus becoming the 1st in his family to earn a college degree. After the Army he worked for Arlington Co. VA. as a Bldg. Codes Inspector for another 17 Years, Earning another Retirement pension. He was very active in organizing & attending Reunions of the Famed "ABU Co. 1/327 Inf. 101st Airborne Div."
He has written and published a couple of books: 1. "ABU - Above The Rest"; 2. "American Brothers United" and had just completed writing was and ready for a Final Edit to be Published: 3. "LZ - Liz".
"STAND IN THE DOOR" " OVER & OUT" " ABOVE THE REST "
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Pineview Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
Visitation
Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services
661 English Rd
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 8/7, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home.
Service
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Saturday 8/8, 10:00 am
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 9:00 AM at Pineview Cemetery.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, Danny Robbins & Family lit a candle
We will miss you Bill. Until we see you again. We love you. Danny, Cynthia, Rusty and Bobby
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, Judy Robbins lit a candle
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, Randy Tharrington lit a candle
Billy – quite a character – you will be missed.
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, Billie G Cole lit a candle
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, The Temple Family & The Tharrington Family lit a candle
My Uncle Bill will be missed he was a good guy didnt hang around much but nice to know he had your back
Billy may St. Michael smooth your final flight, ABU , Above the Rest, God Bless!
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, Emily Jones lit a candle
To Scott and Mike my condolences to you both, your Father was so funny to me . I thank God that y’all share him with me I really enjoy taking care of him ,he was truly a trooper ,and a blessing to me and Danny and his family was a blessing to me and Rocky and Mary Jo ,Ms.Betty,,Mr.& Mrs Bailey Thanks to them everyone made me feel welcome ,my heart goes out to all. Thanks love Felicia Richardson
To the family of Billy Robbins, Billy was a great man and a great Soldier. He worked tirelessly and selflessly for the good of the Soldiers and Veterans of Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, the ABU Assassins. I had the privilege of commanding that company in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. I regret that I did not meet Billy until a few years ago, when we were introduced via email through a mutual friend. Billy pulled out all the stops to welcome me into his circle, making a handsome, personalized vest for me to wear to ABU Reunions and printing a handsome proclamation attesting to my status as a member of the GREAT ABU NATION. He did similar things for scores of other ABUs. and his generous outreach touched hundreds, if not thousands of ABU Soldiers and Veterans. He will never be replaced, and his memory will endure for many generations. ABU and ABOVE THE REST, Billy. We will miss you for a very long time.
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, Shonquella Arrington (CNA) lit a candle
Thank you to the sons.
Rest your BOOTS Col.Robbins you served your Country Greatly.
Our sincere condolences to the Robbins family. Those of us that really knew Billy found him to be a very caring and compassionate individual. The ABU’s that walked in his footsteps traveling the same paths in Vietnam and the Military, greatly appreciated his leadership and high standards. A no-nonsense soldier that told it like it was, who at times could ruffle some feathers as a result of his high regard to integrity, all for the greater cause. Billy had a profound impact on so many in this world and will live in our hearts forever while never being further away than a thought. May he find peace in heaven that eluded him here on earth and gather with all the other Screaming Eagles that have preceded him. Thanks ever so much for the memories my friend. ABU
To the family of Billy Ray we offer our sincere condolences. He was truly a man of action. Nikki, Evan, and I are grateful for his lifetime of service to our country in the name of freedom. We appreciate his dedication, service,and sacrifice for our country. Never have I met a man more driven and his accomplishments truly reflect that. Billy Ray he will sorely be missed. May God bless and Comfort you all. WARRIOR, HERO, and LEGEND
All the way, Colonel! Thank you for your countless sacrifices and service to this grateful nation. We are truly going to miss you and may God rest your soul. Our sincerest condolences to your entire family and ABU brothers. Airborne!!!
I’m going to miss you dearly Billy Boy
You were a fine man. From Angie Daniel
ABU ONE ZERO you will always be one of the best part of the heart of those who were blessed to have known you. God Speed my brave brother ABU All The Way and Always Above The Rest. Staddin our raggedy ass ina dor waitin fer yer ka mand. ABU Pappy….out
Billy was a Screaming Eagle who had airborne spirit in spades. He was always a vocal advocate for the troops and for American values. A Great American. He will be missed.
Scott Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The 101st Airborne Division Association would like to extend our deepest sympathies to family, friends and ABU Troopers for Billy’s passing. He will be greatly missed at our functions and within our ranks. Calm winds and fair skies Trooper.
To a ABU brother
Uncle Bill I miss you so much! I love you!!
Uncle Bill you will be missed. I will miss talking cars with you.
In memory of Billy Ray Robbins, fred bailey lit a candle
To the family of Billy Ray Robbins, we would like to express our most sincere condolences. Nikki, Evan, and I appreciate the daily freedom that comes from the sacrifices given to us by Bill and others like the ABU each day. I have never met a person more driven and motivated that Billy Ray which shows in his accomplishments. Sir you will be sorely missed. Warrior, Hero, Legend, and Friend we thank you for your service.
What a great organizer and a great friend.I will miss him and his friendship.His patriotism and love for the troops is unparalleled.
Second time I’v tried to enter some words for a true American Hero Billy Robinson ABU ONE ZERO. No one ever had a better friend or met a better man. May his reward equal all he gave. Always Above The Rest. Great leader was only one of his many tray marks. He will be missed by all who loved him and were honored to have met him. STAND Yor RAGGY ARRS INA DORRR TROOP. ABU!!! PAPPY….OUT
It was a pleasure to have known you Billy! We will miss you at the reunions. We will see you on the other side. An Eagle has soared.
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I was just thinking about you today while looking at the vest you sold me,I get a lot of compliments on it.RIP billy