BRUCE K. ROBINETTE

Bruce K. Robinette, 86, Bristol, VA, died Monday, July 29, 2024 at his residence at Oakmont at Gordon Park.                                          

 
He was born on February 21, 1938, near Duffield, VA and was raised from an early age on a dairy farm in the Back Valley section of western Wise County. 

 
Bruce was a proud graduate of the former East Stone Gap High School and earned degrees from Lincoln Memorial University and Virginia Tech.  

 
His career consisted of 42 years in public service in central and southwest Virginia.  This included seven years at three different levels in public secondary education with the remainder in regional community and economic development as a tenured Director of the LENOWISCO Regional Commission.  His professional accomplishments were well known for making a positive difference for the people of far southwest Virginia.  

 
Bruce was an ordinary person with a humble beginning who became comfortable with the influential but remained a champion of the people who shared his coalfield heritage.  His pride in public service was being a voice for those who were not always heard.  

 
His wife, Patsy Yates Robinette; parents, T and Kathleen Necessary Robinette; and two older brothers, B. F. and David Robinette, predeceased him. 

 
Surviving is a daughter, Beverly Robinette, (Christen Burkholder), Bristol, VA; one son, John T Robinette, Henderson, NC; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  

 
Bruce was an active Methodist for many years affiliated, with churches in Big Stone Gap and Bristol, VA.

 
There will be a Celebration of Life service at State Street United Methodist Church, 650 West Valley Drive, Bristol, VA on Saturday, August 24, at 3:00 P.M. followed by a reception in the church Fellowship Hall until 6:00 PM.  Senior Pastor Laura Rasor will preside and Dr. Lawrence Fleenor, Jr. will offer the eulogy.  

 
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101 would be greatly appreciated. 

 
An interment for the ash remains of Bruce and Patsy will be held later by the family at a location in Powell Valley.

 
Online condolences for the family may be sent and viewed by visiting www.BlevinsCares.com. Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services has the honor of serving the Robinette family.