Gilmour E Robinson

Gilmour Elam Robinson, 93, of Gastonia, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 8, 2026, surrounded by his family and his longtime companion, Hilda Lowery.

Born on December 9, 1932, in Gastonia, North Carolina, Mr. Robinson was the son of the late Jonas Robinson and Lottie Robinson. He was one of twelve children and was raised on a family farm, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work, the land, and the value of providing for others.

As a young man, he served as a lifeguard at Robinwood Lake, a popular local gathering place. He later proudly served his country in the United States Navy for eight years, earning the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his military service, Mr. Robinson returned to Gastonia, where he worked alongside his brothers in Robinson Brothers Feed and Seed. He later began a long and dedicated career with Duke Power, from which he retired after many years of service.

Mr. Robinson was known for his love of gardening, a passion rooted in his upbringing on the family farm. For many years, he tended his garden with care and took great joy in sharing its bounty—frequently giving away fresh produce to friends and family and visiting local farmers markets on weekends.

In his later years, he made his home at Covenant Village in Gastonia, where he enjoyed the companionship of friends and remained close to those who cared for him.

He is survived by his children, Cathy McDonald; Cindy Rusher and her husband, Joey Rusher; and Craig Robinson and his wife, Xiaowen Robinson; his grandchildren, Evan Hager, Channing Hager, Joseph Rusher, Isabella Rusher, and Leah Robinson; his brother, Harvey Robinson, and friend, Hilda Lowery.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Lester Robinson, Helen Robinson, Leland Robinson, Paul Robinson, Lamar Robinson, JM Robinson Jr., Roland Robinson, Ruby Robinson,

The Family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 pm in the Chapel with Dr. Joan Martin officiating.  Interment will follow at Olney Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 251 Olney Church Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 28056, with  Military Honors by the Gaston County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cancer Services of Gaston County, 306 S. Columbia Street, Gastonia, NC 28054

www.gastoncancerservices.org

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com