Obituary of Eugene “Dixie” Franklin Robbins

Eugene “Gene” Franklin Robbins, Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gene was born in 1933 in Chester, South Carolina to the late Clara Wall Robbins and Eugene Franklin Robbins, and grew up in Griffin, Georgia. Gene was a proud graduate of Griffin High School and also attended the McCallie School for his senior year, where he found his love of the game of football. Gene attended Georgia Tech and Alabama Polytechnic Institute, aka Auburn University. He served his country from 1954-1956 in Germany, playing football, flying bombers, and entertaining his fellow servicemen. Gene moved to Chattanooga in 1979 to work for Dixie Yarns, and later started and was President of US Thread Company in Dayton. Gene was known for loving his family, being a man of faith, and entertaining those around him. A great character, Gene regaled those around him with stories of family and golden retrievers at the beach, by singing show tunes (he remembered EVERY word), with stories of helping others throughout his life (he was Griffin’s Young Man of the Year and an officer in the Salvation Army), and family memories of living on Elder Mountain. Gene was very proud of his two children, Lisa Robbins Lee and Eugene Westphal Robbins. He never missed their sporting events and was known as a very enthusiastic spectator! He was not shy about touting their accomplishments as well as boasting of those of his grandchildren. Gene spent many a sunny day at his beloved Lookout Mountain Golf Club. Known as Dixie Gene, he created a large circle of deep friendships mostly while commiserating over shanks and missed opportunities. Gene is survived by his daughter Lisa Robbins Lee (Chris) of Roswell, GA, his son Eugene Westphal “Wes” Robbins (Sarah) of Lookout Mountain, TN, their mother Karin Westphal Robbins of Chattanooga, TN, his brother Bob Robbins (Grace) of Columbus, GA, his sister-in-law Sandy Robbins of Atlanta, GA, his grandchildren: Henry Westphal Robbins, George Haller Robbins, Harrison Franklin Lee, and Aiden William Lee, and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. Gene is preceded in death by his brother Alfred Hargrave “Jack” Robbins of Griffin, GA. Gene will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. The Family especially appreciates the nursing staffs at both Alexian Grove and The Terrace at Mountain Creek for their patience and caring. The world is now missing a funny, entertaining character in Gene Robbins. Visitation will be held at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 211 Franklin Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350, on Tuesday, August 1st at 2:30 with the service following at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Salvation Army. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 4000 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 821-7551. Share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com.