John Russell Robinson, Sr.

John Russell Robinson, Sr.,(Russ) 73, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal life on Saturday, April 11, 2026 after a courageous battle with ALS. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 17, 2026 at Church of the Holy Cross, 2550 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island at 3:00 pm.

Russ was born August 23, 1952 in Waynesboro, VA, son of the late Anna McLeod Robinson and John Paul Robinson, Jr. Russ graduated from Clemson University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He remained an avid Tiger fan throughout his life. He was CEO of General Materials in Charleston, SC for twenty-five years. Upon sale of the company, he co-founded Port City Concrete Company and held its Presidency and CEO positions until his retirement.

Russ served as a board member of the American Red Cross of Charleston County, a Vestryman at Church of the Holy Cross, a participant in the Men’s Priority One Ministry, and a member of the Breakfast Blessings Club.

Russ will be remembered by family and friends for his love and devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. His deep faith in God shone through every corner of his life, but nowhere more powerfully than in the quiet courage and grace with which he faced his battle with ALS. Russ’ infectious personality and quick wit brought much joy and laughter to everyone who knew him.

Russ was a lifelong student and enthusiast of the game of golf, holding memberships at both Snee Farm and Yeaman's Hall. He shared his love for the game by coaching beginners in the First Tee program and in competition against his standing foursome and his two brothers. They swapped many a twenty in their pursuit of golf supremacy. His children Haywood and Russell spearheaded a Drive for ALS golf tournament to honor Russ and to raise awareness and contributions for the ALS Association.

Russ is survived by his wife of 23 years, Rebecca Castles Robinson (Becky); his children, Mary Haywood Robinson and John Russell Robinson, Jr. (Caroline); his adored grandchildren who knew him as "Gus", Charlie, Hays, and Johnny of Mount Pleasant; siblings, Joe C. Robinson (Sydney) of Johns Island, T. Andrew Robinson (Isabelle) of Kilmarnock, VA, and Anna Louise Robinson of Chicago; and sister-in-law, Charlotte Castles of Columbia. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews: the children of Joe and Sydney, Matthew M. Robinson (Sarah) and their daughter Alice of Greenwich, CT, and Craigen Robinson Albergotti (Phillip) and their children Mary and Will of Murrells Inlet, SC; the children of Andy and Isabelle, Brittany Robinson of Richmond, VA, Anne Robinson (Forrest Gottke) of Folly Beach, SC, and Thomas Robinson of Breckinridge, CO; the children of Charlotte, Elizabeth Monteith Sharpe (Clay) and their children Campbell, Charlie, and Sazy of Columbia, and Sarah Monteith Rama (Michael) and their children Walter, Salley, and Teddy of Columbia; and Daniel L Castles (Natalie) and their children Lyles and Jonah of Central, SC, and Austin L Castles (Megan) and their children Cora and Camden of Starr, SC.

Honorary pallbearers are Bailey Williams, John Tiencken, Tom Blazer, Doug Quinn, Kirk Darby, Mark Dennis, Ted McNabb, Dan Doyle, Howard Harder, Harry Smith, Bud Carpenter, Ernie Mason, Andre Lee, Matt Robinson, Thomas Robinson, Phillip Albergotti, Sam Little, Clay Sharpe, Michael Rama, Daniel Castles, and Austin Castles.

The family is deeply grateful to his caregivers Andre Lee, Aurora Lenk, Belsey Aguirre, and Gabby Arguello Perez for their exceptional care, compassion, and unwavering support in caring for Russ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to The ALS Association, 1919 University Ave W, Ste 175, St Paul, MN 55104 (Please note in memory of Russ Robinson.) http://web.alsa.org/goto/ihoRussRobinson ; Priority One Ministry, 3400 Bath Pike, Ste 204, Bethlehem, PA 18017 https://priority-one.org/support (Designate Area: Charleston/Bud Carpenter), or to Church of the Holy Cross, 2550 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.