Dr. Waide Lee Robinson Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Dr. Waide Lee Robinson

Dr. Waide Lee Robinson, 73, departed this life on October 30, 2020, in Richmond, VA with his family by his side. He was born on December 11, 1946 to Sam and Dorothy Robinson in Hampton, VA. He graduated from Elizabeth City State University in 1969, earned two master’s degrees from Southern Connecticut University in 1973 and 1977, and a doctorate in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2001.

Waide will be forever remembered for his love, generosity, and wry sense of humor by his surviving wife, Janice Robinson; his three children, Qiana Robinson Whitted and husband Kenneth of Columbia, SC; Thena Robinson Mock and husband Brentin of Pittsburgh, PA; and Waide Lafayette Robinson and wife Brianna of Upper Marlboro, MD; his three grandchildren, Naima Jessie Whitted and Kenneth Alexander Whitted of Columbia, SC, and Emory Waide Mock of Pittsburgh, PA; his brothers Sam Robinson and wife Barbara of Chesapeake, VA, and Earnest and wife Mae Pearl Robinson of Portsmouth, VA; his sisters Joyce Robinson Ingrid of California and Cornelia Robinson of Portsmouth, VA, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, James, Robert, and Ray Robinson, and his sisters, Geneva and Juanita Robinson.

Waide was a life-long educator who spent many years playing football and wearing #20 on the field, first at Crestwood High School in Chesapeake and in college for the Elizabeth City State University Vikings. Later he played for professional and semi-pro teams, including stints with the San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Hartford Knights, and Bridgeport Jets. He was inducted into the Elizabeth City State University Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. During his career as an educator, he would work as an industrial arts teacher, principal, and administrator in school districts in New Haven, CT, Sarasota, FL, Round Rock, TX, and in Blacksburg, Williamsburg, and Richmond, VA. After retiring as Director of Human Resources for Richmond Public Schools, Waide cherished a second career as the director of the Math Science Investigators (MSI) Enrichment Program for high school students at the University of Richmond.

Waide was inducted into the Beta Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1967, and he was also a proud member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and St. Paul’s Baptist Church. He earned a second-degree Black Belt in American Style Karate and mentored generations of young people in the dojo, the classroom, and throughout the community. Over the course of his career, he received numerous honors and media recognition for his work. He had a gift for leather crafting and woodworking, building furniture in his spare time. He loved smooth jazz and traveling the world, from California road trips with his children to visiting Ghana, Brazil, Italy, France, and Greece with his wife. Watching Sunday football and basketball games in the recliner with a bowl of cashews nearby was his favorite way to end the week.

Waide spent his last days being lovingly cared for by his wife, his caretakers Vivian Solomon and Daryl McDonald, the staff of the assisted living facility at the Harmony Collection at Hanover in Mechanicsville, VA, and the Bon Secours Hospice team.

Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, November 13, at Scott's Funeral Home, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 14 with Rev. Dr. Rebecca Griffin officiating. Livestream can be found online at scottsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elizabeth City State University Foundation, PO Box 1467, Elizabeth City, NC 27906 with “Dr. Waide L. Robinson Memorial Fund” indicated on the memo line. These funds will be dedicated to student tuition assistance.

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He was a person I can talk to and joke with

Words fail. My friend and colleague of over 40 years, Waide was the consummate educator. His love and compassion for all students was the overarching theme of his professional life. Though we lost touch for a few years, we returned as colleagues at the University of Richmond. My life was and is enriched by having Waide as a friend. I miss him everyday.

I have no idea what the names of my other principals are however, the person who made a significant impact on my life was Dr. Waide Robinson. He was my principal at Fairfield Middle School in Richmond Virginia. He taught me karate just prior to my joining the military. I am forever grateful for his kindness, encouragement, and patience. My condolences to his loving family. Patrice Scott

It was with great sadness to learn of Waide's passing which is my reason for the long delay in writing this note. Waide was such a loving guy with a great sense of humor and had a passion for promoting the well being of our youth. His dedication to his students and their learning was to be admired. We taught for a short period at a local college and we would often meet up to talk about various issues and always the conversation would center on his great love of Janice. He'd often stated how lucky he was to have her love and he was so proud of her life accomplishments. There was nothing false about Waide he wass true to his beliefs and passions. I will miss hearing that deep voice and laughter he shared. Rest well my friend..you did well and may your legacy continue to shine. Francine Brown

I worked with Waide at the University of Richmond, where he headed up the Math Science Investigators (MSI), which worked with youth from Richmond Public Schools. The students in MSI loved him. He always was so warm and caring. It was a pleasure to call him a colleague at the University. Tom Shields, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Chair of Graduate Education, University of Richmond

It's still unbelievable! Dr. Robinson made a difference in the lives of so many people...old and young. I will forever be grateful for his support and encouragement. Dr. Robinson will truly be missed. My prayers of peace will continue for Janice, the children, and his beloved grandchildren.

To the family of Waide L Robinson. My prayers are with you at this time. Psalms 35:5 tells us that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. As you relive the many Precious Moments you shareit with Wade please no that his loss to you is Heaven's gain. Waide the person i looked up to from my days at Crestwood High School and Elizabeth City State University.72QcM

Sending my sincere condolences to the family on the loss of this wonderful man. May his memory sustain you in the days to come and beyond.
Miriam Davidow (An RPS colleague)

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Robinson family. My daughter was able to participate in the MSI program that Dr. Robinson was directing; it was the beginning of her real love for science; she now holds a degree in Forensic Science. For that,we say thank you ! We are sorry for your loss and the Robinson family is in our prayers ! Carol White & family

Our condolences and prayers to Dr. Waide L. Robinson's family, friends and loved ones. May his good deeds and acts of kindness continue to inspire all of us. His daily steps in life were the steps of a good man. --- Dr. Charles L. Singleton, college football teammate, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), Viking Pride!

The ESSENCE of a person is their "free spirit" and "caring heart" that we will fondly remember forever. We were touched by the essence of Wade Robinson (Dana Nottingham)

It has been a pleasure to witness a gentleman who strived to see African-American children pursue an education beyond high school. He was dedicated and committed to the succession of children placing education as a priority within there lives. I am honored to have interacted and be apart of the MSI program. Many blessings to his family.

My heartfelt condolences to Dr Robinson's family, coworkers and friends. I first met him at Fairfield Middle School.He was an awesome AP and a dedicated Karate instructor. He will truly be missed. RIP Waide.You've earned your wings.

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences goes to the family of Dr. Robinson. He was a true mentor and inspiration! I remember when he chose me to be a part of the Young Men of Distinction program at Armstrong High school. He heavily advocated for me during my 1st year of UVA and always encouraged my intellectual growth. I'm so grateful for having known him and today I'm an educator. I hope to inspire at least one of my students in a way that changes the trajectory of their lives the way Dr. Robinson has inspired me! My love and prayers will continually be with the family! Samuel Best

I am sending my condolences to the Robinson family and thank you all for sharing Dr. Robinson with us. Dr. Robinsom was my first mentor, the first person to introduce me to science as a career, and the first person to affirm me as a scientist. All my life I was told that I would be the first lawyer in my family. Meeting Dr. Robinson as a middle/high school student changed everything. Since I completed all the coursework the Math and Science Investigators Program, Dr. Robinson took a chance on me and afforded me the opportunity to conduct research in a laboratory as a 13-year-old. Since then, he has always been there at some capacity for me. He was there at my high school graduation, college graduation, and I know he will be there spiritually at my dissertation defense for my PhD. Thank you Dr. Robinson for always believing me and my siblings. I will be keeping you all in my prayers for divine peace and comfort as you grieve. - Love Future Dr. Merci Best

I am sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one, Dr. Waide Lee Robinson. We were classmates (Class of '64) at Crestwood High School in Norfolk County (now, Chesapeake), Virginia, USA, during the 1960s. He was one of our top athletes. He played football and baseball. May God continue to bless and strengthen all, during this time of loss. (Dr. Archie W. Earl, Sr.)

My heart goes out to the Robinson family. Simply put, Dr. Robinson was a great man. As a teenager, I didn't have much male involvement in my life. Dr. Robinson took me under his wing and was nothing but supportive and encouraging. He was a man that had a natural balance of sternness and nurturing. He would always put me on the spot to sing the National Anthem at any given time lol. He saw the best in me and wanted nothing but the best for me. He would often push my wildest dreams and make me dream and aim bigger. I can't recall a time where he was ever disappointed in me. He always chose to speak life to whatever ounce of positivity existed. He will be sorely missed. May God comfort your souls during this time of loss. In the hard times, remember that Dr. Robinson impacted the lives of young men all over Richmond, VA and beyond. Though he may be absent in body, his legacy truly lives on in all of you and those he mentored. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.