Joe Fred Robinson, known throughout his life as Fred, passed away on October 20, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 71, with his beloved wife and three sons by his side.

Born on April 7, 1955, in Cookeville, Tennessee, to Oscar and Lillian Robinson, Fred built a life centered on family, friendship, hard work, and helping others. He married Kathryn on August 10, 1974. For more than 52 years, they shared the everyday joys and challenges of life, raised three sons, and welcomed seven grandchildren. He was Kathryn’s beloved companion for nearly her entire life.

Fred worked as an electrician for General Motors in Warren, Michigan, for almost 47 years. His ability to build, fix, and figure things out extended well beyond his work. He loved working with his hands, and there was little he could not tackle himself. If someone needed help, Fred was the person who would drop whatever he was doing and show up.

An avid golfer, Fred enjoyed time on the course with friends and family. In his younger years and well into his thirties, he was also an excellent baseball and softball player. Following his retirement, he and Kathryn made their home in Columbia, Tennessee.

Fred was immensely proud of his sons, Nathan, Bryan, and Kevin, all graduates of Michigan State University, and of the lives and families they built. He is survived by Nathan and his wife, Theresa, their children, Faith and Jason; Bryan and his wife, Katie, their children, Connor and Emilia; and Kevin and his fiancée, Teresa, their children, Jade, Logan, and Joyce. His seven grandchildren brought him tremendous joy.

A gentle giant and a big teddy bear, Fred had a warmth that drew children and animals to him. Though often a man of few words, he had a quick wit and a colorful way of saying things that could leave everyone laughing. He never met a stranger, and people loved being around him.

Fred’s family extended far beyond his own household. He was a beloved brother-in-law and uncle to many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends held a special place in his life.

In addition to Kathryn, his sons, and their families, Fred is survived by his four brothers, David, Ronald, Robert, and Rick Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lillian Robinson.

Fred will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, his willingness to help, and the steady love he gave his family. He leaves behind countless stories, familiar expressions that will still bring laughter, and people whose lives were better because he was part of them.

For those wishing to honor his memory, the family requests memorial donations to the Tennessee Golf Foundation to help make the game he loved accessible to young people, including underserved children.

Donations may be made online at tngolffoundation.org/support or mailed to Tennessee Golf Foundation, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Please include “In Memory of Fred Robinson” with your gift.