Earl Franklin Robins Sr., 91, of Gloucester, Va., born Nov. 10, 1923, passed away on March 17, 2015.

Dad has gone to heaven to be with our Lord and Savior, Mom and Russ. He was the son of the late Frank O. and Mary Coates Robins.

Earl was an avid golfer and flew planes; he was even part-owner of the airport at one time. Robins Auto Parts was a familiar name around Gloucester as well. He played the guitar, sax, piano, and drums. He sang beautiful music with Ellis Hall and the boys. He was past president of Gloucester Ruritan Club, and coached American Legion Baseball and Gloucester Youth Baseball.

He was a member of the United States Marine Corps. His birthday was the same as the Marine Corps birthday. Earl was service manager of Bell Motors and Ken Houtz Chevrolet. He was owner of Robins Auto Parts and Robins Marina.

Dad was from a family of seven. He is survived by his sisters, Margaret R. Marshall and Barbara A. Harris, and his brothers, Robert Robins, Marvin Robins, and Allen W. Robins Sr. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Estelle Robins; his sister, Charlotte; his son, Russ Robins, and grandsons, Eric Caldwell and Edgar Willard IV.

His greatest achievement was fathering 12 children who loved him very much. He is survived by his children, LaVerne Willard and her husband Dr. Edgar Willard, RaNaye Cameron, Earl Robins Jr. and his wife Barbie, Mark Robins and his wife Cindy, Vanessa Caldwell, ReGina Custis, Neil Robins, LeNora Cole, Jennifer Simpson, Jason Robins and his wife Kim, Victoria Skelding and her husband Brad; 28 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. 

He will be greatly missed, but more importantly he will always be appreciated. 

Earl was a member of Newington Baptist Church, where the services will be held on Monday, March 23, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Bellamy Memorial Cemetery, Gloucester.

The family will receive friends at Andrews Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, March 22, from 4-5:30 p.m.