Joe Henry Robbins

Joe Henry Robbins, 92, of Salisbury, passed away June 28, 2023 at Novant Health Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House. Joe was born to William A. Robbins and Bessie Troutman Robbins in Rowan County on July 9, 1930. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Johnie Robbins and Coy Robbins and sisters Hazel Jones, Doris Barbee, Ora Mae Honeycutt, and Margie Hartley. A graduate of Woodleaf High School, Joe enjoyed participating in all sports. He later served as an umpire for high school baseball and softball for many years. On June 6, 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he received advanced medical training. He served in the Korean Conflict and spent time working in an Army Hospital in Seoul, Korea. During his time in service, he received the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. He was honorably discharged in May, 1953. Upon returning from the Army, he joined the family business, Robbins Well-Drilling Company. He later became the fire marshal at Fiber Industries and was active in the Salisbury Farmers Market where he served as President. Joe was well known throughout the state for his bowling expertise. He bowled his first perfect game during a tournament in 1964 and he was awarded a new car and a diamond ring at North 29 Lanes in Charlotte. In 1965, he bowled the first 300 game in Coliseum Lanes in Charlotte and received a gold watch. In 1966, he bowled a total of 811 in a 3-game series, this total held the record in the state for 12 years. He was a member of the N.C. State All-Stars from 1963 to 1969. A professional bowler from 1969 to 1975, he competed in numerous tournaments throughout the country including tournaments held in Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden in New York City. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Janice Coley Robbins, whom he married on June 28, 1958; children, Annette Robbins (George) Bogner of Raleigh, Bryan Joseph (Marie) Robbins of Chester, VA, Gregg Coley (Melissa) Robbins of Salisbury, and Beth Robbins (Sonny) Markanda of Marietta, GA; brother, Benny (Cathy) Robbins of Salisbury; sister, Mary Ann Adams of Salisbury; grandchildren, Tiffany Robbins Grandstaff, Geoffrey (Eva) Bogner, Breanne Bogner, Mark Robbins, Katie Robbins, Nina Markanda and John Robbins. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 2 at the Rowan Memorial Park Mausoleum. The service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor John Elam officiating. Military Funeral Honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin Presbyterian Church, 280 Franklin Church Dr., Salisbury, NC 28147, or to a charity of Donor’s Choice. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Robbins family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Joe Henry Robbins

July 9, 1930 - June 28, 2023