Victor Joseph Robinson, Jr.

Victor Joseph Robinson, Jr. passed away peacefully in his favorite recliner at home on November 27, 2021. Services for V.J. will be held Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Martin Lifer officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm with services following at 2:00 pm. Welches Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Born December 7, 1924 in Osborn, Mississippi, V.J. graduated from Starkville High School. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, V.J. waited until he was eligible to enlist and joined the Army Air Force on May 23, 1944. While stationed in Europe, he served in the 352nd Fighter Group and 328th Fighter Squadron, flying a P51 Mustang.

After the war, V.J. continued to pursue his love for flying. He served as an Air Force flight instructor in Greenville Mississippi and Marianna Florida, a personal pilot for Governor J.P. Coleman, and a member of the Quiet Birdmen.

Upon returning home to Starkville from the war, V.J. met the love of his life, Faye Raines. V.J. and Faye were married for 73 years. Up until his last day, he held her hand, and kissed and hugged her every night before saying his prayers.

In 1965, V.J. acquired the Western Auto Store, building the business with his son and a love for the community it served. V.J.’S community pride extended to his Mississippi State Bulldogs, leading him to teach his great grandchildren how to ring a cowbell before they could walk.

V.J.’S God-given talent was how he connected with people. From his golf group to his hunting and fishing friends, V.J. built lifelong friendships. To his friends and family, he brought shelled pecans, the best home-grown tomatoes, and immeasurable joy.

Out of his many great accomplishments, V.J. was most proud of his family. Even at 96 years old, you could find V.J. in his living room, sharing stories from his upbringing and service during the war. Described as “golden” by his son-in-law, John, V.J.’S family came to him for advice, his stories, and a good hug. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” his family and friends viewed him as truly one of the greatest.

V.J. was preceded in death by his parents Victor Joseph Robinson and Allene Montgomery Robinson, his sisters Allie Robinson Mcilwain and Frances Robinson Echols, his daughters-in-law Jan Mcilwain Robinson and Debra Nabors Robinson and his son-in-law John Melton Mcdonnell. V.J. is survived by his wife Faye Raines Robinson, son William Joseph Robinson (Bet Caldwell) and daughter Vicky Robinson Mcdonnell, three grandchildren, Bridgett Marion Green (Roger), Carrie Mcdonnell Wadlington (Jim), Jenn Mcdonnell Northam (John), and five great grandchildren, Tyler Green, Jack Wadlington, Sam Wadlington, Frances Northam, and John Melton Northam. V.J. is also survived by his brother Bob Robinson and his sisters-in-law Peggy H. Raines and Sarah Raines as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Pallbearers will be Bobby Thompson, Don Buckley, Jim Shannon, Jim Thomas, Joe Stewart, and Tom Stennis. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, First Presbyterian Church of Starkville, or a charity of your choice.

You can leave an online condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com. of Starkville and a life-long member of First Baptist Church. Bub served as the first president of the Starkville Country Club, served in the MS National Guard, was on the Board of Directors for Security State Bank, and was active in the Starkville Rotary Club. As a newlywed, Bub served as a volunteer fireman that helped fight the infamous “Old Main” fire at Mississippi State University.

Bub was a loving grandfather that enjoyed blue sky days with his grandchildren and wife, hunting at the family farm, and attending Mississippi State football games. Bub also took great pride in watching his grandchildren grow and become Christian adults. Many Starkville children enjoyed spending time playing in “Bubblyland” at his home. Loved by so many, Bubby was the first to arrive when a friend needed help and the last one to leave.

His survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nel Winston Slaughter; along with three children: Sammy and Beverly Slaughter of Starkville, MS, Linda and Jason Pugh of Madison, AL, and Catherine and Mike Cliburn of Madison, MS; nine grandchildren Sam Slaughter (Liza), Zachary Slaughter (Tiffany), Blake Slaughter, Jonathan Pugh, Billy Pugh, Emily Pugh, Laura Pugh, Reed Cliburn, and Jack Cliburn; one great grandchild, Shephard Slaughter; two siblings, Edward Slaughter, and Raymond Slaughter of Starkville, MS. Mr. Slaughter was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Walter Slaughter, Sr., and Evelyn Carpenter Slaughter.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of Mr. Slaughter’s caregivers.

A very special thank you to Barbara (Jojo) for the friendship to our family.

Graveside services will be held for friends and family at Oddfellows Cemetery on Sunday December 5th, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Starkville, MS Catch a Dream Foundation; https:// www.catchadream.org.

You can leave a condolence for the family at: www.welchfuneralhomes. com.