Published: October 11, 2009 12:04 am      

Bud Robinson: A true philanthropist

By Ida Brown

ibrown@themeridianstar.com



During his lifetime, Meridian businessman William C. "Bud" Robinson Jr. selflessly gave to others – often unnoticed and always without thought of receiving anything in return.

But even more impressive than what Robinson gave monetarily, is how much he gave of himself to others.

"He was my mentor, my brother and my friend," said Johnny Robinson, the middle of three brothers, which also includes Bruce Robinson.

"We worked together 27 years and he not only shared his business expertise, but also how to conduct yourself with customers. He was very people-oriented and loved to interact with customer," Johnny said. "Bud truly believed that the customer was always right."

Robinson, 69, died Sept. 29. He was the owner of Robinson Electric Supply Company, which he founded in 1975 with three employees. The business expanded to locations in four states.

Born and reared on a farm in the Whynot Community, Robinson and his family moved to Meridian in the 1950s. According to Johnny, Robinson's road to becoming a self-made man started when he was a child – beginning with making up his own nickname.

"He used to be called 'Billy,' which is short for William, however, he did not like that name," Johnny said. "We had a family friend named Bud,' so he adopted that name. And when people would call him Billy, he would quickly correct them and say emphatically, 'My name is BUD.'"

Robinson loved people and held his friendships dear. He and Meridian businessman Ronnie Massey were friends for more than 50 years.

"Bud was one of the most loyal people I've ever known," he said. "If I could describe him in one word, it would definitely be loyal. I've surely lost a good friend."

Massey especially admired Robinson's determination.

"He had an eighth-grade education. When his mother died, his father was a truck driver and was on the road a lot. Bud dropped out of school so he could stay at home and help take care of his brothers.

"He later got his GED and there was no stopping him," Massey said. "He was one of the smartest businessmen I've ever known."

Recalling those tough times, Johnny shared one of the many sacrifices made by his brother while growing up.

"One of my fondest memories of Bud – and it is really hard to choose one – showed his generous nature, even at an early age," said Johnny. "We always carried our lunch to school everyday, and one day Bud came to me and gave me a ticket to eat in the lunchroom instead of our sack lunches. I thought that was the greatest thing ever.

"I found out later that he had worked in the office during recess to earn the lunch tickets, instead of going out to play ball or to play outside with the other boys. Bud was a generous person down to his soul, and would give anyone a helping hand who was in need," said Johnny.

Among those who reaped from Robinson's kindness and generosity is David Bailey, owner of X-tra Lite Lighting.

"He put me in business," said Bailey at first mention of Robinson.

"He hired me in '96 and then he helped me start X-tra Lite Lighting – helping me to get credit and teaching me a lot about business. I would often say to him, 'I don't know how I'm going to repay you ... ' and he would stop me and say, 'You don't have to repay me. Just do the same for somebody else – give someone else a chance.' He was a very humble person, and he would get embarrassed whenever I would try to thank him for all that he had done for me."

Robinson performed many charitable deeds for the community and individuals, most of then unknown.

"He didn't want anyone to know," Johnny said. "He didn't do it for the glory or the attention; he was very genuine."

Robinson was very involved in the community, having served on the board of directors of Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center and East Mississippi Business Development Corporation. He also was a member of Saints John Masonic Lodge, Meridian York Rite Bodies, Meridian Scottish Rite, Hamasa Temple and the Hamasa’s Flying Fez Club. He was recognized for his service in flying children to the Shrine Hospital in Shreveport for their treatment, and received many awards from his peers in the electrical industry. In 2007 he was the recipient of the Hartley Peavey Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence. 

In addition to his business accomplishments and his philanthropic endeavors, Robinson was also a classic car enthusiast. 

A member of the Queen City Street Road Association, he enjoyed showing off his '334 Oldsmobile that had been restored to mint condition and converted to a muscle car. However, according to Johnny, Robinson's "pride and joy" was a 1987 Chevrolet El Camino,

"It had been used as a salesman's car in the business, And when it turned over to 300,000 miles, Bud took it out of service and completely restored it and also made it a muscle car," he said.

The car brought Robinson national attention; it was featured in the August 2000 issue of The

Southern Rodder magazine. 

His love for automobiles also extended to NASCAR racing.

"He enjoyed the races at Talladega Motor Speed Way, along with his children and grandchildren," Johnny said. "He sponsored one of his grandsons as a NASCAR instructor driver to instruct upcoming drivers in NASCAR racing."

But at the end of the day, spending time with family and friends brought Robinson the most joy. He and his wife, Gladys, especially enjoyed RV'ing.

"They would 'load up t he RV and hit the Road,' along with other RV friends," Johnny said. "They made several trips together to the New England states, out West and to the mountains of the United States."

In addition to his wife and brothers, Robinson is survived by his children, children, Debbie R. Bridgmon and Melanie R. Moss and her husband John; grandchildren, Jason and Daniel Bridgmon, and Emily and Peyton Moss of Meridian; a sister, Clara Wilson and her husband, Miles, of Ellsworth, Maine; sisters-in-law Sonja Robinson of Meridian and Paula Robinson of Lake; and several nieces and nephews.