Marvin Robinson

Marvin Deroy Robinson was born on September 13, 1956, to Ruby Jewell Raiford Robinson and Jesse

Ray Robinson, both of whom preceded him in death. He departed this life on Friday, February 6th.

He lived a life marked by gratitude, quiet strength, and devotion to family. Throughout his later days,

Marvin consistently gave thanks to God, often saying with sincerity and peace, “Thank you, Jesus.”

Marvin shared 11 years with his beloved, Billie Rand Robinson. In a powerful testament to their

commitment, the two were recently married, choosing love, faith, and one another during a tender and

sacred season of life. He was also a devoted father to his son, Jared Lloyd, of Durham, North

Carolina, and a beloved father figure to Kathryn Hunter Hayes, of Wendell, North Carolina.

Marvin graduated from Smithfield-Selma Senior High School in Smithfield, North Carolina, in 1974,

where he served as the high school band's drum major. He was known for his charisma and charm.

Marvin valued education and lifelong learning. He attended North Carolina Central University, where

he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. He was accepted into and attended the

UNC School of Dentistry at UNC–Chapel Hill, a testament to his academic excellence and

commitment to advancement. Marvin later completed his Master’s Degree in Information Science,

graduating magna cum laude, with a minor in Project Management. His discipline, intellect, and

perseverance shaped both his professional success and his character.

Marvin devoted nearly 30 years of his professional life to the manufacturing industry. He worked at

Nortel Telecommunications in Research Triangle Park for five years, followed by positions at

Solectron Inc. and other manufacturing organizations. Most notably, Marvin dedicated 20 years of

faithful service to Berry Global Inc./Magnera in Benson, North Carolina, where he worked until illness

required him to go on short-term disability in December 2025. He was respected for his knowledge,

work ethic, and steady, dependable presence.

Raised in the Church of God of Prophecy, where his grandmother, Pastor Mildred Raiford Sanders,

pastored, Marvin grew up surrounded by faith, as his mother and her sisters devoted their lives to the

church and to God’s service. Though he had always known about God, Marvin fully dedicated his life

to the Lord while on his sickbed, and in that sacred season, his faith became personal, unwavering, and

deeply rooted.

He held a special place in his heart for his dear late Aunt Pauline, who lived next door to him.

Marvin’s special nickname for her was “Shuga”. He faithfully checked on her and made sure she was

always well.

Marvin was known as “Grits” to a close group of friends, a nickname spoken with affection and

familiarity, always bringing smiles and knowing laughter.

Some of Marvin’s favorite memories were Thanksgiving family gatherings, where we would feast on

delicious meals, sing one song after another, laugh endlessly, share stories, and enjoy one another’s

company without pause. Music filled the room, joy filled our hearts, and the laughter never seemed to

stop. And no gathering ever felt complete unless Marvin played “Charlie Brown,” a tradition he was

famous for and one that always brought smiles and excitement to everyone present.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Billie Rand Robinson; son, Jared Lloyd (Teandra); his sister, Reverend

Mary Ann Crandell of Raleigh; his stepdaughter, Chardonnay Latta Floyd; and his seven

grandchildren. He is also survived by a circle of special cousins, including Lonnie Barfield, James

Parker, Mavis Graham, Adrienne Allen, Handy Eason, Frank Parker, Jeffery McIver, Lafayette

Atkinson, and Ava Gaines. He is further survived by a host of other cousins, relatives, friends, and

coworkers who loved him dearly.

Marvin Deroy Robinson will be remembered for his faith, humility, intellect, devotion to family, love

of music, and for the simple yet powerful words, “Thank you, Jesus,” which he often spoke in his final

days. His legacy lives on through the love he gave, the music he shared, and the quiet strength with

which he walked his journey.