Hal Eugene Robinson

Hal Eugene “Poppy” Robinson, 76, of Elkin, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on September 2, 2025, while on a family vacation. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Hal’s infectious energy and love of life left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Born on November 25, 1948, in Guilford County, NC, Hal was the cherished son of Nell and Loyd “Skinny” Robinson. He graduated from Northeast Guilford High School in 1967, where he was a proud member of the basketball and football teams—a love of sports that he carried throughout his life. Fondly remembered as the life of every class reunion, Hal truly treasured his school days and the lasting friendships he built there.

Hal went on to attend Appalachian State University, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree. It was there he met the love of his life, Saborah; they married in 1972 and began a journey together that spanned 53 years. Together, they made Elkin home in 1979—a town Hal came to love deeply.

Professionally, Hal dedicated more than three decades to the Surry County Health Department, faithfully serving as Environmental Health Specialist and later as Environmental Health Supervisor for Food and Lodging from March 1974 until his retirement in July 2005. He was known for his kind guidance in helping new restaurants open their doors, as well as for his friendly visits to school lunchrooms.

Hal’s community involvement extended to the Elkin Jaycees, United Way, and the Recreation Boards for both Elkin and Surry County. In 1987 he was presented with a Distinguished Service Award by the Elkin Jaycees. That year he was also named Outstanding North Carolinian by the North Carolina Jaycees and received a congratulatory letter from Governor Jim Martin. In 1993, he received the Governors Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service from Governor Jim Hunt and attended a reception to receive this honor in Asheville. At retirement in 2005, Hal was recognized for his dedication to the citizens of Surry County and for his many years of faithful employment. In 2007, he was given a Resolution of Appreciation from the Town of Elkin for his, “24 years of service on the Recreation Advisory Board.” As a member of the Elkin Presbyterian Church, he served as a deacon and coached the youth league basketball team for many years.

Hal’s proudest moments centered on family. He took immense joy in living near his daughter Abbye and being a constant presence in his grandchildren Addison and Ada’s lives. His treasured cabin—a retreat filled with laughter, porch-sitting, and the company of his pet squirrels, Petey and Bob—was a place he loved to share with friends and family.

Hal is survived by his loving wife, Saborah Robinson; daughter and son-in-law, Abbye and Aaron Blackwelder; his grandchildren Addison and Ada Blackwelder, all of Elkin; his sister, Laura Morris; brothers, Robbie Robinson and Steve Robinson. His favorite brother-in-law “Coach” Danny Mathis and wife Kay as well as many nieces and nephews that all shared love and memorable stories of “Uncle Hal”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nell and Loyd Robinson, his brother, Bill Robinson, nephew Rusty Robinson, and his father-in-law JB Mathis who “Meathead” had a very special relationship with.

A celebration of Hal’s life will be held at Elkin Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends following the service. If you have a fun memory of Hal—our beloved Poppy—please share it with us, as his spirit lives on in the laughter and love he gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elkin Presbyterian Church, 151 Hillcrest Drive Elkin, NC, 28621 or Mayberry4Paws, 125 Skyview Lane Mount Airy, NC, 27030.