Benjamin Franklin Robinson, 92, formerly of East Gate Village passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home after a brief period of illness. He was born February 19, 1915 in Lumberton, NC to Cora Robinson Turner and James White.

He was educated in the Robeson County School System and was a WWII Veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church until his health failed.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Doc Turner.

He is survived by a devoted daughter, Denise L. Smith (Robert Conyers); a sister, Bernice Reynolds; two grandchildren, Raji Smith and Ra'Shawndria Smith (Tony Bailey); two great-grandchildren, Masters Ta'Darrian Smith and Maurice Smith; a sister-in-law, Gladys Robinson; a niece, Barbara Williams; two nephews, Donald and Darrius Robinson; and a host of cousins and the East Gate Village Community.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Monday, May 14, 2007 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel, eulogy by the Rev. Paul Lowe Jr. Interment will follow in the Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. Family visitation will be held from 10:30 am until 11 am Monday at the funeral home.

"Special thanks to the staff of the N.C. State Veterans Home, Salisbury, NC, Dr. Christopher Edwards, the Rev. Gwyndolyn Holly, Connie Posey, Bradney McWillis, Diane Marsh, Donnie (Timothy) James, Denise Posey, Jarrec Owens, Sadie Edwards, Kenneth Searcy, Dwight Hoover, and the Union Baptist Church staff and family for your support and love during his illness and passing."