William Lee Franklin Robinson, 87, of Stephens City, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Born on April 3, 1938, in Gordonsville, Virginia, he was the son of George and Elizabeth Brady Robinson. He was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1956 where he served as Class President and was voted Best All Around. A gifted athlete in football and baseball, Bill was inducted into the inaugural James Wood Hall of Fame in 2000. He still holds the school record for the longest fumble return, recovering the ball and running back 72 yards for a touchdown. Bill went on to attend Randolph Macon Academy where he excelled in football and baseball. He was a core leader of the Valley League Baseball Organization in the late 1950’s playing for the Middletown Minks, a minor league team which recruited the best local high school and college talent for summer seasons. He honorably served in the Air National Guard as a Tech Sergeant for 14 years.

Bill was a devoted member of the Opequon Presbyterian Church where he actively served many terms as an Elder, Deacon and Trustee. He was Chairman of the Trustees during the construction of the current Sanctuary in 2003-2005. He was honored as the first “Outstanding Older Adult” in 2003. During his time at Opequon, he served as a Youth Leader, volunteered at the Community Garden, delivered Backpack Meals to local elementary schools, and helped at the Sherando Food Pantry. He served on many ministry teams and was named “Fleet Captain”, maintaining the upkeep of the church’s Bus and Van. He was committed to Logos, a midweek ministry for children and youth for over 25 years. He transported children from local schools to the church each week and held many roles including Peacemaker and Table Parent.

Bill had a true servant’s heart and founded the “Banana Box Thanksgiving Collection,” a ministry that became a cherished tradition in our community. Each year, he personally gathered more than 200 banana boxes from local grocery stores and distributed them to members of the Opequon Congregation. The boxes were filled with nonperishable food items, and Bill, alongside his dedicated “Team,” delivered them to CCAP and Orchard View Elementary School to bless families in need. It is estimated that throughout the years, Bill collected and distributed more than 5,000 boxes, a lasting testament to his generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others.
Bill began his career with Safeway in 1956 in Annandale and transferred to the Winchester store on Braddock Street in 1958. There, he became known for personally carrying and delivering groceries to customers as a thoughtful courtesy. He was promoted to Grocery Manager and later Assistant Manager, serving in Middleburg. In 1978, Bill stepped into the role of Store Manager, working in Strasburg and Front Royal before returning to Winchester in 1986. Bill received numerous awards for Excellent Customer Service and was voted Outstanding Store Manager for the Eastern Division by his employees. He retired from the Winchester Store in 1998 when it closed giving 41 years of dedication to the company. He was especially loved for handing out bakery cookies to children who visited the store.
Bill married his high school sweetheart, Connie DeHaven on June 21,1959. She preceded him in death in 2017. Together they were active members at Opequon Church, and they enjoyed square dancing with the Blue Ridge Twirlers.
He is survived by his daughters, Susan Homan and her husband Kyle and Elizabeth “Brady” Robinson; Grandchildren Blaine W. Homan and his wife Karys (and a great grandson on the way) and Elizabeth “Liza” Homan; one sister-in-law Bonnie DeHaven Pitzer as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bill is preceded in death by his sisters, Evelyn Bryant, Mary Ann Guard, Betty Lou Kelley and his brother, George “Richard” Robinson
Bill will always be remembered for his generosity, steady kindness and his unwavering devotion to his family, church, and community.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:30 am, both at Opequon Presbyterian Church. A time of food and fellowship will take place after the service at the church. Interment will be at 2:30 pm in Mount Hebron Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor David Witt and Parish Associate Tracie Martin.
Pallbearers will be Blaine Homan, Kyle Homan, Dale Homan, Andy Homan, Andy Mowery, and Ben Barnes
Honorary Pallbearers, known as “The Cousins”, will be Hector Robertson, Buddy Robertson, Linwood Donald, Jay Hott, and Jim Homan
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill to Opequon Presbyterian Church, 217 Opequon Church Lane, Winchester, Virginia 22602 or online at opequonchurch.org or to the James Wood Athletic Association Scholarship Fund, PO Box 111, Stephenson, Virginia 22656-9998 or online at jwaa.org