Jerry Lee Robinson, age 71 of Burnsville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville, NC.
Jerry was born on July 25, 1954, in Burnsville, to the late Nat Robinson and Mallie Scott Robinson. In addition to his father, Jerry was also preceded in death by two brothers, L.B. Robinson and Dean Robinson; and one sister, Wanda Davenport.
Known to many as “JR,” Jerry was truly the man, the myth, and the legend. An outdoorsman at heart and a hardworking construction worker by trade, Jerry loved life and lived it fully. He had a gift for connecting with people and a heart that never met a stranger. To know Jerry was to know kindness, loyalty, and genuine friendship. One of the most meaningful parts of Jerry’s life was his dedication to helping others. He spent many years conducting AA meetings, not because he had to, but because he genuinely cared. Jerry understood struggle, and he believed deeply in second chances. He offered guidance without judgment, listened without interruption, and gave hope to those who needed it most. For many, Jerry wasn’t just a meeting leader—he was a steady presence, a mentor, and a reminder that recovery was possible. Outside of helping others, Jerry found peace and purpose in the simple, honest work of raising cattle. He loved the land, the routine, and the responsibility that came with it. There was something grounding about caring for his cattle—early mornings, long days, and quiet moments that suited him well. It reflected who Jerry was at his core: hardworking, patient, and deeply connected to the life he built.
He is survived by his two sons, Jeremy Robinson I (Caroline Allen) and Michael Robinson; one grandson, Jeremy Robinson II; two granddaughters, Kaylynn Jarrett (Chris) and Lauren Robinson; three step-grandchildren, Lydia, Addilyn, and Riley; one great-granddaughter, Lilah Raine Jarrett; two stepdaughters: Jessica Casteel (Jonathan) and Kayla (Jaron) Bradford; one step-son, Matthew Shepherd; two brothers: Vernon (Cheryl) Robinson and Kelly Robinson; one sister, Annie (Sam) Grinestaff; a dear friend, Brenda Buchanan; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends who were blessed to know him. Jerry will always be remembered as a man who enjoyed life and believed in lifting others up. One quote he lived by perfectly reflects his heart: “The only time I ever looked down on someone was to help pick them up.”
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home in Burnsville. The family would like to say special thanks to Hospice of the Blue Ridge and all their amazing nurses and staff. If donations are made, the family requests that they’re made to Pine Grove Methodist Church at the following address: c/o AA Meeting – 53 Pine Grove Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Robinson family.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.holcombebrothers.com
