MANOR — Mr. Donald Lee Robbins, 71, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025 at his home of Gator Creek in Manor, Ga. after a courageous six-year battle with ALS.
Robbins was born December 3, 1953 in Waycross to Elizabeth Cox Downing. He was a member of Victory Methodist Church. Robbins developed a strong work ethic and grit at an early age, starting his first job at Harris’s Market at 16 years old, and he would often have to hitchhike to work.
He was the first of his family to graduate from high school, Clinch County High in 1972. Robbins then began working for Seaboard Coast Line Railroad for a number of years, followed by owning a beekeeping business before he finally found his true passion in forestry in 1983. He started his 40-year forestry career working with Airgrowers in Homerville before starting Robbins Forestry in 1999.
Robbins grew his silviculture business throughout Georgia, Florida and parts of South Carolina. Robbins Forestry was sold in 2019.
His work required sacrifice and time away from his family, however it brought him much joy and a true sense of purpose. His ability to do what he loved, while not easy, changed the trajectory of his family and they are forever grateful.
Robbins is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rhonda Register Robbins of Manor; two daughters, Kylee Robbins Brown of Jacksonville, Fla., and Kristen Ruth Robbins (Benjie Shirah) of Atlanta; four grandchildren, Collin Lawrence Brown, Nicolas “Nick” Brown, Benjamin Lee Shirah and Eleanor Ruth Shirah; a nephew, Bryan Robbins (Dana) of Waycross; and a great nephew, Kolby Robbins (Madison) of Waycross.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Downing; and brother, Herman Robbins.
A funeral service was held Monday, January 20 at Victory Methodist Church in Manor. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergeen Way, Waycross, 31501 or online at www.hospicesatilla.com Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.c om Music Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
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