Earnest (Richard) Robinson, Sr., age 81, of 206 Stacks Lane, Clifton Forge died Saturday, December 19, 2009 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Born August 14, 1928 in Clifton Forge, Virginia, Richard was a son of the late Sam E. and Rathia Conner Robinson.

He retired from the clerking department of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad and also was a logger and pulpwood cutter as well as a member of the United Transportation Union.

He was a member of the Longdale United Methodist Church.

He loved hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family and grandbabies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Givens Robinson and Sam Robinson.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Ann Powell Robinson of Clifton Forge; two daughters, Cynthia Ann Bay and husband, Jim of Clifton Forge and Karen Denise Robinson and husband, Webb of Clifton Forge; two sons, Earnest Richard Robinson, Jr. and wife, Marai of Renick, WV and Gary Wayne Robinson and wife, Jeannette of Bolar; a sister, Minnie J. Smith of Clifton Forge; five grandchildren, Daniel Robinson of Clifton Forge, Caitie Unroe of Clifton Forge, Kimberly Mays and husband, Matt of Clifton Forge, Derrick Robinson and wife, Trish of California, and Sarah Broughman and husband, Wayne of Clifton Forge; four great grandchildren, Kaleb Williamson, Gabriel Broughman, Eliza, and Deaven; a special family member, Cindy Gier of Covington, and his buddy, Pugsey.

A funeral service was conducted on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Virgil Woodie officiating. Services concluded at the funeral home. Interment took place in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Pallbearers were Hunter Conner, Calvin Conner, Earl Conner, Roger Potter, Billy Angle, Tommy Smith, Eric Hostetter, Sr. and Daryl Nicely. The family received friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at Nicely Funeral Home.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Virginia, handled the arrangements.