Anthony Howell Robinson was born February 5, 1951 in Richmond, Virginia, the third of five children from the union of the late Gordon B., Sr. and Kathelean Howell Robinson. He departed this earthly life on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

At a young age, he confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Fourth Baptist Church, which the late Rev. Dr. Robert L. Taylor pastored.

Known as "Babebro" by family and childhood friends and "Clay" by others, he received his early education in the Richmond Public Schools system — J. A. Bowler Elementary, Mosby Junior High, and Maggie L. Walker High School, from which he graduated in 1969.

After completing high school, he worked several jobs before being drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a Specialist in Infantry. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was honored with a Marksman (Rifle) commendation. In December 1972, he received an honorable discharge and returned to civilian life.

Motivated by a passion for learning and a strong desire to fight social injustices, Clay pursued higher education at Virginia Union University. In 1976, he proudly earned his bachelor's degree in political science. His dedication to justice led him to the Howard University School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1979.

Anthony's professional journey was defined by his dedication and the guidance of his mentors. He developed his skills under the mentorship of several esteemed lawyers, but it was his time under the guidance of the late Atty. Charles Beard and the profound influence of the late Dr. Earl McClenney that truly shaped his approach to practicing law.

In 1983, he co-founded the law firm of Robinson & Buchanan and served as managing partner alongside his dear friend, James "Buster" Buchanan, until 1988. However, he struggled to overcome the devastating loss of his law partner, and that led to a decline in both his career and his health.

As his health continued to decline, he spent his later years in nursing homes, most fittingly at Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center, where he received the medical care and support he needed. Anthony had a deep love for bingo and music programs, and he particularly enjoyed answering trivia questions at which he excelled. Anthony truly found joy and camaraderie in these activities.

Clay was known for his sharp intellect and wisecracking sense of humor. He was a jokester and had a talent for creating incredible nicknames, some of which were too X-rated to print, but the recipients knew who they were! He had a generous spirit and never hesitated to help those he cared about; he would gladly give his last dime to them.

In addition to his parents, grandparents, and uncles, Clay was preceded in death by his beloved son, Anthony H. Robinson, Jr., and his much-loved sister, Patricia Robinson Austin.

Left with cherished memories are his sons, Rashad Robinson and Jonathan Boisseau; grandchildren,  Kahdijiha  Boone (Torian), Conner Robinson, Kheneesha Lewis, Kaiyon Robinson, Iyon Perry, and Lacy Sanders; great-grandchildren, Leo, Dash and Demi Boone; devoted sister and caregiver, Jacquelyn Robinson Stanley; loving brothers, Gordon B., Jr. (Katherine), and
Kenneth L. Robinson Sr. (Natikca); nephews, George L. Stanley, Jr., The Honorable Charles Austin (Tiane), Matthew Austin (Leah), Kenneth L., Jr. (Freisha), Kenton and Manell Robinson; nieces, Dawn Howard, Kenecko Robinson (Toni), and Karmen Robinson; great-nieces, Jordan Robinson Parham (Xavier), Kendall and Chloe Howard, and Isabella Gaskins; great-nephews,
Kaleb Robinson, Toni Macklin II, and Charles Austin, Jr.; great-great-nephew and nieces, Xavier II, Xurii and Xynn Parham;  brother-in-law, Larry Austin; a host of extended family and friends, among those are devoted friends, Jake Moss and Wade Brown.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

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