Joe Michael Robinson

Joe Robinson, 71, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2017 in Pelham, Alabama. He had been battling Parkinson's disease for several years. A native of Thorsby, Alabama, Joe was born August 18, 1945 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and was raised by his parents Wilma (Goodgame) and Herman Robinson with his older brother Phillip (Jerry Ann) Robinson. Joe and his wife of 52 years, Jane McReynolds Robinson graduated from Thorsby High School and the University of Alabama. Early in his career, Joe was a teacher and salesman before moving to Tallahassee, Florida and becoming a businessman. Joe was the founder and President of Bell Learning Systems Inc. based in Tallahassee. While running the Timberlane Road office, Joe and his staff worked in multiple states from Texas to Illinois to North Carolina to Florida providing professional learning for accountants and business leaders. Known for his engaging humor and entrepreneurial spirit, Joe's seminars were very popular throughout the 1980's and 1990's until he sold the business in 2003 and moved back to Alabama. In his later years, Joe continued in small business leadership, while also becoming an author and an inventor earning a patent as well as a book to his credit. Joe was also an avid sports fan and proud supporter of Alabama Crimson Tide football as well as Atlanta Braves baseball. For two years, Joe sponsored an AAU baseball team named Bell Baseball Club that earned a bronze medal in 1994. Joe was the proud father of three sons: Joel (Beebe) Robinson of Birmingham, Alabama; Jason (Lianne) Robinson of Winfield, Alabama; and Jared (Heather) Robinson of Athens, Georgia. Joe was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Christopher and Sally Robinson (Joel and Beebe); Emma, Luke, and Anna Beth Robinson (Jason and Lianne); Ansley and Bryant Robinson (Jared and Heather). In addition to his wife, Jane, Joe is survived by his brother, Phillip (Jerry Ann) Robinson of Round Rock, Texas, his nieces Romy (Joe) Baker of Plano, Texas and Leigh Ann (Brad) Cramer of Okinawa, Japan, his sister-in-law, Joan Cleckler of Green Mountain Falls, Colorado and his nephews Jay (Heather) Cleckler of Long Beach, California and Jon (Michelle) Cleckler of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Thorsby, Alabama at 234 Summit Street, Thorsby, AL 35171 on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation is scheduled at 10:00 a.m.