Percy Robinson

August 6, 1946 - December 2, 2023

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service

Greater Galilee Baptist Church

70 Huston Street W

Barberton, Ohio 44203

(330) 745-7600 |

Saturday 12/16, 12:00 pm

Visitation to begin at 11:00 am

Percy Quin Robinson was the eleventh child born on August 6, 1946 to Virgil and Lara (DeMyers) Robinson and to a family of siblings, who had recently relocated from Wesson, Mississippi. Percy was born at home on Van Buren Avenue in Barberton, Ohio. He passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2023.

Several years later, the family moved to Canal Street in Barberton. He was educated in the Barberton Public Schools attending Washington Elementary School, where he walked more than a mile to school each day. He continued his education at U. L. Light Middle School and Barberton High School.

As a child he learned and enjoyed climbing trees, fishing, and swimming in the Ohio Canal. He was a curious and adventurous little boy who grew up in a home where when Momma was away, the oldest sibling was in charge. Percy thought that also meant him since he had grown “taller” than his “older” sisters who were left to look after him. The adventures began there.

In his young adult years, he managed a band and chased his first dream in music. Booking “gigs” and rehearsing many days and nights. When managing stopped, you would still enjoy him playing music with family and friends on any occasion. He played piano, guitar, and even drums; always promoting to “Let the music take you!” He wasn’t shy about letting it take him.

Percy was a loyal Cleveland Brown, Cavalier, and Ohio State fan staying true to his birthplace. Back in the day, when the games weren’t on, you would see him riding his bike with his daughter around the city or playing basketball games at Decker Park in Barberton until the wee hours. He loved his sports and his music.

He loved passing traditions on to his grandchildren. Things like sports, bike riding, his “famous breakfast”, instruments, table football with a paper football, and yes Percy taught his grandchildren “Mother may I?”. He enjoyed watching game shows, or old black and white movies and would often entice his grandchildren to be his captive audience when he explained the plots and rules. When attending family gatherings, he was announced by the cry of “Hammer Time!” to which he would dance across the floor and groove as if he were MC Hammer himself. Almost any music could bring him to his feet.

He was last employed with WRE/COLORTECH, and was loved by his work family. In between games and music, Percy found joy in truck driving and loved the traveling that came with it. No matter what work he did, he would always find himself back in a truck.

He was joyful because of his grandchildren, his beloved daughter, Marlo and her family. He leaves a family who loves and cherishes him without reservations because he never failed to say the words “I love you” which was received and joyfully returned.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Virgil Robinson Sr. and Lara (DeMyers) Robinson; brothers Hollis Ray Robinson and Virgil Lee Robinson Jr.; sisters Eula Mae Robinson, Aleatha Turner, and Arlena (Gene) Shy. He leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter Marlo (Gino) Harwell Sr., grandchildren; Gino Jr., LaMaria, Gionni and Gisere Harwell; brother Jessie Robinson; sisters Ola Mae Cheatham, Dollie Mae Anderson, Emma Faye Jones, Suzanne Ball, Mary Jane Harris; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Ecclesiates 3:1 “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven”.