Larry Benson Robbins, known affectionately to close family and friends as “Buddy,” passed away peacefully at the Hospice Haven of Richmond County on Oct. 31, 2025.
He was born on July 4, 1950 to the late Olyn Benson Robbins and the late Edna Jean Rankin Robbins in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Larry was raised in Marston and spent a lot of time with family in Ellerbe. He graduated from the last graduating class of Hoffman High School in 1968. After graduation, he joined the United States Army in 1969 and proudly served as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He made more than 20 jumps from different aircraft as part of the Airborne and received the parachute badge and the National Defense Service Medal. He was proud of his service, and the opportunity to serve his country. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
After his military service, Larry received his Bachelor of Science in Education, magna cum laude, from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and was inducted into the Alpha Chi National College Honorary Society, recognizing the top 10% of college students.
He began his teaching career with Scotland County Schools. Teaching was his calling and passion in life, and he loved and taught his students like they were his own children. He taught sixth grade mathematics and science at Carver Middle School in Laurel Hill for 30 years. As a lifelong learner and teacher, Larry enjoyed reading and learning about history, specifically military and war history. He enjoyed spending time visiting museums throughout the South including the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum (Fayetteville) and the North Carolina Museum of History (Raleigh).
In addition to teaching, Larry was an entrepreneur who was one of the original partners in starting Village Pawn Shop in Wadesboro. After more than 20 years in business, he and his brother, Jerry W. Robbins, sold their interest in the partnership and founded the Wadesboro Pawn & Gun Shop, which they ran successfully for 10 years before retiring. Throughout more than three decades in business, he developed enduring friendships with many of his customers and fellow business owners.
Larry was a genuine craftsman who liked working in his workshop and making knives out of sawmill blades and files. He loved the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting guns and knives, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with his brother and friends.
Larry was proudest of his family and loved them dearly including his loving and devoted wife, Ann Caulder Robbins, of 53 years; his sons, Joseph (Kim) Robbins of Charlotte and Thomas Robbins of Raleigh; and his beloved granddaughter, Sadie Eliza.
In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Gloria (Leon) Hawks of Concord, Judy (Dave) Gunderson of Burlington, Brenda (Curtis) Quick of Rockingham, and his brother, Jerry (Tonia Kay) Robbins of Marston. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
Larry was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a friend to many. His memory will live strong in our hearts, and he will be deeply missed.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at Marston Baptist Church in Marston, with the Rev. Jim Ritter officiating. The burial will be held immediately following the funeral at the Ellerbe Town Cemetery in Ellerbe.
In lieu of flowers, the Robbins Family has requested that donations be made in memory of Larry Benson Robbins to Marston Baptist Church, 2361 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Marston, North Carolina 28363.
Online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the Robbins family.
