David (Dave) Allen Robinson

Burlington, North Carolina - David (Dave) Allen Robinson, 77, of Burlington, died Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Alamance Regional Medical Center from complications from the coronavirus.

Dave was born in Wilmington on January 18, 1945, to the late Helon and Decatur Bascom (D.B.) Robinson, Jr. He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1963. He went on to attend University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where he was a varsity letterman on the golf team and led his team in the ACC Tournaments in 1966 and 1967, when he tied for 3rd place both years. While at Carolina, he was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity and graduated from the UNC Business School. Upon graduation, he worked for the UNC Athletic Department, coaching the Freshman golf team and teaching and working at Finley Golf Course.

Dave met Diane Cook in Chapel Hill and the two married on September 16, 1972, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, right across from his fraternity house. He and his new bride moved to Burlington when he became the Assistant Golf Pro at Alamance Country Club. In 1973, he won the Carolinas Open Championship on Pinehurst No. 2. Later he became a Co-Head Golf Pro at Piedmont Crescent Golf Course. He retired from the golf business in 1980 and went to work for BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp.

Dave and Diane have two daughters with loving spouses and the best six grandchildren ever! Fittingly known as "Pro" to his grandchildren, Dave loved talking about his family and sharing stories and accomplishments of his special grandchildren.

He and his family enjoyed summers at the Hanover Seaside Club at Wrightsville Beach where he grew up surfing, attending dances and learning to be the social butterfly that he was. Upon retirement from BellSouth at age 60, he began playing in many tournaments as a senior amateur and was the Carolinas PGA Senior Associate of the Year in 2001 and Super Senior Associate of the year in 2011. He had many top finishes at various Carolina Opens, Pro-Ams, Member-Guests and other tournaments and even “shot his age” a few times. During his retirement years, the family spent time visiting and vacationing at their home at Ocean Isle Beach.

Golf was a lifelong passion because he was such a competitor and he could remember almost every shot he made…on every hole…on every course! Dave made lifelong friendships on the golf course, at the poker table, playing tennis and enjoying the pool at Olde Forest Racquet Club, with his daughters’ friends’ parents at Carolina and meeting business owners all over the state. He and Diane loved shagging to beach music at weddings, parties and at the Bons Amis Dance Club over the years.

Dave was very proud to serve the community he loved so much. He was a member of Macedonia Lutheran Church where held many leadership roles such as serving on church council and as a Stephen Minister, head usher and Sunday School teacher. His most endearing qualities are that he always had a positive outlook, did the right thing and cared for others.

As a passionate Tar Heel, Dave regularly attended football and basketball games for over fifty years, always meeting up to tailgate with his fraternity brothers or taking a friend along with him. He was an active Rams Club Member for over 30 years. He and Diane so loved Carolina that they scheduled their honeymoon to Hawaii to watch the Heels play basketball.

Diane has been a source of unconditional love and support. And so, his life ended with a profound appreciation of the great fortune he experienced and he always said he lived a charmed life, thankful for the family and friends he shared it with.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Diane Cook Robinson; daughters, Jodie Robinson Ayres and husband, David Randolph Ayres, of Charlotte, and Julie Robinson Grahl and husband, James Samuel Grahl, Jr., of Charlotte; and six grandchildren, Burkley Elizabeth Ayres, Harper Caroline Ayres, Wilson Randolph Ayres, Anna Griggs Ayres, Sutton Claire Grahl and Baylor Allen Grahl.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held Sunday, June 5 at 2pm at Macedonia Lutheran Church with a reception to follow in Luther Hall. Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.

In the event that anyone would like to make a memorial contribution, please consider the following:
The David (Dave) A. Robinson Scholarship Fund through First Tee Central Carolina that will support ACE graduates from the Burlington area: through this link at First Tee (select his scholarship as the second donation option from the drop down menu) or with a check to First Tee, PO Box 236, Clemmons, NC 27012; or The UNC Men’s Golf Operating Endowment: with a check made payable to The Educational Foundation, Inc. and mailed to The Rams Club, PO Box 2446, Chapel Hill, NC 27515; or to Macedonia Lutheran Church: with a check to 412 W. Front St., Burlington, NC 27215.

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