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Presented by the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, the Cornerstone of Easley Award is not presented each year, but rather a very special award reserved for a company or individual whose leadership and vision are considered to be a “foundational cornerstone” for our Easley community. On March 14, the chamber was pleased to present this award to a very deserving couple, Alfred and Margot Robinson. The legacy of this couple is anchored in the long history of a family-owned business. A native of Easley, Alfred Robinson was a 1945 honor graduate of Easley High School and a 1948 graduate of Clemson College, earning a degree in Economics. While at Clemson, he received the Shanklin Medel for the highest scholastic average in Military Science, as well as commanded a cadet company and served as a member of the Senior Platoon, Tiger Brotherhood, and Blue Key. He was also a member of Clemson’s official big band, the Jungaleers, and continued to perform in Jungaleer events throughout this life. In addition, he was a third generation. In 1950, Alfred Robinson became the third-generation funeral director of Robinson Funeral Home. After his father’s death in 1953, he took over the family businesses of Robinson’s Department Store and Robinson’s Funeral Home. Born in Germany, Margot Robinson was educated in German schools. Following World War II, she served as an interpreter for the United States Armed Services at Rothwesten Air Force Base in Germany. Alfred and Margot met and married in the mid-1950s, and in the many years that followed, they were an inseparable and dynamic team in the management and daily operations of the family businesses: Robinson’s Department Store, Robinson Funeral Home, and Robinson Memorial Gardens. Together, they not only ran the family businesses and raised a family, but also served their community. Alfred served as President of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes, Pickens County United Way, Easley Rotary Club and Easley Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the board of the SC Funeral Services, SC Chamber of Commerce, Easley Combined Utilities, Pickens County Library, YMCA, and SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. He was also a lifelong member of Easley Presbyterian Church, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Elder of the Session, and Chairman of the Worship Committee. Margot was also an active member at Easley Presbyterian Church, serving on the Women of the Church committee, her Circle group and other committees. She was also a member of the Easley Better Homes Club, Nosegay Garden Club, and Carillon Dance Club. Alfred and Margot Robinson were a strong couple whose love for each other was evident. Together, they were committed to the success of their family businesses, dedicated to their church and community, and anchored in deep love for their family. They left behind a life-long legacy of servant leadership which will continue to serve as a cornerstone not only for their family-owned business, but for the City of Easley as well. Their sons, Alfred Robinson, Jr. and Christopher Robinson accepted the award in their honor and memory.