Bobby Robinson

A celebration of life and visitation for Robert William “Bobby” Robinson, 85, will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Camden Military Academy’s Risher Administration Building, 520 Highway 1 North, Camden, SC 29020.  A family graveside service and burial will follow at Wateree Baptist Church Cemetery at 4:00 PM, 2024 Haile Street, Camden, SC 29020. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camden Military Academy at https://camdenmilitary.com.

Bobby Robinson distinguished himself from an early age as a gifted athlete and natural leader. As captain of the Camden Pony League District Championship team, he helped lead his teammates to the Little League World Series in Washington, PA in 1953. Bobby was captain of 12 different teams from youth through high school, and 9 of those teams won state championships.

He continued to shine as captain of his junior high football team before becoming a four-year member of the Camden High School football program. In 1957, Bobby served as quarterback and captain of Camden High’s State Championship football team, earning recognition as All-State quarterback, team captain of the All-State squad, Most Valuable Player, Co-captain and MVP of the state’s All Classes team and All-Southern selection. That same year, he competed in the prestigious Shrine Bowl as starter and was named Best Prep Athlete of the Year in South Carolina while earning the coveted South Carolina’s Athlete of the Year as a senior, an award now known as “Mr. South Carolina.”

Bobby’s talents extended well beyond the gridiron. On the basketball court, he was a three-year standout. As a sophomore, he was the youngest player on the State Championship team and set a Camden High scoring record with 47 points in a single game. His junior year, he captained the team to another State Championship and earned All-Tournament honors in both the Charleston and Orangeburg Invitationals as well as being selected All State for two seasons. As a senior, he again captained the team to an undefeated State Championship season, while serving as the team’s high scorer and earning All-Tournament honors.

On the baseball diamond, Bobby was equally exceptional. He became Camden High’s varsity catcher as a freshman and went on to lead the program to three straight State Championships (1956, 1957, 1958), serving as captain for each title while being named All State. He also captained the American Legion team, playing in the State Finals, further cementing his reputation as one of South Carolina’s finest all-around athletes.

Following his remarkable high school career, Bobby continued his athletic journey at the University of South Carolina after being recruited by several colleges, receiving an appointment to West Point and an offer to play with the New York Yankees directly out of high school. He competed as a member of the Gamecocks’ basketball, and baseball programs while often being referred to as the smallest player on the team, weighing only 160 pounds and standing 6 feet tall. Bobby loved playing all three sports, but he was deemed too small to play football by the university, so he focused and excelled in the other two sports. Bobby received the 1959-60 Carolina basketball sportsmanship award and was named to the 1962 ACC basketball All Tournament team. His leadership, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit left a lasting legacy both in Camden and across the state. Bobby lived the rest of his life as a very devoted Gamecock fan and cherished the memories he created with his teammates.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lynette Hoffman Robinson; children, Casey Robinson (Cindy) of Camden, Phillip Roland (Kimberly) of Gilbert; grandchildren Garnet Robinson, of Columbia, Parker Robinson (Nicole) of Columbia, Gracie Roland, Jase Roland, Jake Harden, Kinsey Harden, Alyson Brey (Gabe) all of Gilbert, SC, a sister, Vickie Williams (Rick), of Camden and his best, most supportive lifelong friend, Sydney Harold Robinson (Becky) of Camden.

Bobby was predeceased by his parents Annabelle and Arthur Robinson and a sister, Judy Marie Robinson.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bobby Robinson, please visit our floral store.