WILMINGTON — Thomas Stewart Robinson, formerly of 820 Red Lighthouse Lane in Wilmington NC departed this life on Thursday February 13th while residing at Azalea Health. He was born on January 6th, 1940, and grew up in Pennsylvania where he worked on the family farm most of his childhood.
Thomas, better known to many as Tommy and even more affectionately by most as Pop’s, had just turned 85. He found his way to Wilmington NC through driving long haul tractor trailers. He found the type of work he truly loved in Wilmington and the love of his life Betty Harmon. They were married March 17th, 1963. They were members of Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church for many years. They were married for 42 years until Alzheimer’s took his dear wife from him.
Tommy worked at Blue Water Amusements on the boardwalk of Carolina Beach. He was the head mechanic and operator for the amusement park. He followed those amusement park rides to Jubilee Park where he continued to work until that park finally closed.
He was one of the founding members of Federal Point VFD where he served as Assistant Chief for the entire 35 years of the department’s existence. He used his mechanical ability to keep all the fire trucks operational, he drove every truck ever in service for the department and was a lead instructor for those fire trucks.
Tommy has 2 sons, Thomas Robinson, Jr and Clifford L. Robinson, both followed in his footsteps and entered the fire service with him as volunteers with Federal Point. They both moved into the fire service as career firefighters and both advanced to the ranks of Assistant Chief in their careers. He has 4 grandsons, 2 granddaughters and 1 great granddaughter. Two of his grandsons entered the fire service in Wilmington and New Hanover County to continue his legacy of service.
Tommy was dedicated to his family, his church, and his community. He was a giver and rarely met a stranger. He was a quiet man but when he spoke people surely listened. He will be missed by all of his many families.
Visitation will be held at Coble Funeral Home Chapel at 1pm to 2pm on Tuesday, February 18th 2025. Followed by a Graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Park at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care or the NC Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
