David Matthews Robinson

David Matthews Robinson was born in Camden, Alabama, on October 7, 1934, to the late Mr. Charlie Matthews, Jr., and the late Ms. Annie Robinson who passed early in his childhood. He was raised by his beloved aunt, the late Ms. Arie Lee Coven, who taught him Christian values and respect for his fellow man at an early age.

He was educated at Camden Academy in the Wilcox County School System. Upon turning 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country with distinction. While serving at the Marine Corps Supply Depot, he met the love of his life, Annie Beatrice Bowers, and they married December 31, 1954. They had two sons, Zachary David Robinson (Lawanda Jones-Robinson) and Mark Dana Robinson (Laverne Booker-Robinson).

David was known by many names, Glenn, Dave, Robbie (as he was affectionately called by his wife), Top and Master Guns (as he was known by his fellow Marines). He was a loving husband and father and the best friend that anybody could ever have. He was a man that would truly give you the shirt off his back.

He loved his family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. He had a love for fishing. He didn’t care if he caught anything or not; he just loved being out there. He would bring home anything, from a blowfish to a sand shark. He also had a passion for bowling where he accomplished a 600 series and several 300 games.

He also loved the Marine Corps where he met several people that also became family. During his time in the Marine Corps, he joined the Marine Corps boxing team. His accomplishments include becoming a three-time all Marine Corps boxing champion and all-service champion. During the Olympic trials, he missed the Olympics as the last qualifier. He said that fighting people like Floyd Patterson, a future heavyweight champion, and Bobby Foster, a future light heavyweight champion, convinced him that he needed to stay in the Marine Corps.

Anything that involved fellowship, he was down for. He also loved to sing and would join the choir wherever he was stationed. He served in the Marine Corps for 31 years. He would brag sometimes that when he enlisted, he knew every black officer in the Marines (all three of them).

After retiring he started working at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia, as a supply inventory manager for the next 15 years. After retiring again, he spent time with his grandchildren fishing and bowling and getting on his wife’s nerves. He loved his family unconditionally and delighted in spending time with them. He prided himself in having relationships and friendships full of love, humor, and respect.

On November 28, 2020, David peacefully transitioned to his eternal heavenly abode. In addition to his parents and his beloved aunt, he was preceded in death by siblings, Sadie Robinson-Henry, John Henry Matthews, and Eloise Couch.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved wife and children; seven grandchildren, Samuel Pernell Sutton (Step), Denzel Marcellus Robinson, Jai’Kel Robinson, Cameron Lamar Robinson, Darius Shemar Robinson, Alicia Renee Robinson, and Aaliyah Nicole Robinson; two great-grandchildren, Isabelle London Robinson and Aaniyah Skye Robinson; siblings, Charlie Mae Kennedy, Levan Matthews, Benson Matthews (Margarette), Lula Mae Smith and Willie Mae Smith; cherished nieces and nephews, Edwin Lamar Henry, Nelson Henry III, Annie Solomon (Junuse), Faye V. Henry, and Alfreda Anderson (Sylvester); cousins, Marry Adair (James), Donald Coven, and Jacqueline (Jackie) Kennedy Acosta; and many other relatives and friends.

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