With his family and those he loved around him, Chad McClain Robinson passed peacefully in his childhood home on February 20, 2025.
He was a resident of both Clarksdale, Miss., and Hartfield, Va., on the Chesapeake Bay.
One of Chad’s greatest passions was sailing his beloved boat, "Serendipity."
Chad was born to Fred and Margaret Robinson in Wichita, Kansas, on Nov. 24, 1950. His family moved to Clarksdale, Miss., when he was a baby and he grew up there. He attended Clarksdale High School, graduating in 1969, and went on to study at Southern Mississippi University.
After college, Chad moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he met his wife, Valerie Mink. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children – Elliot, Courtland, and Morgan – in Richmond, Va. Chad and Valerie shared a long and loving marriage.
Chad had a successful career in the manufacturing of specialized auto parts, earning numerous awards and advancing to an international sales role. In 2009, he returned to Clarksdale to care for his aging father, Fred. During this time, he met Erin Lee, his loving partner of 15 years, who remained by his side and cared for him faithfully until the end of his life.
Together, Chad and Erin embarked on countless adventures, traveling, sailing and dancing to the rhythms of the Mississippi Blues.
Chad battled cancer for many years with resilience and strength. Even in his illness, he continued to spend cherished hours sailing the Chesapeake Bay with Erin, his faithful dog Holly, his children, and his grandchildren.
Chad is survived by his three children, Elliot, Courtland and Morgan; his son Courtland’s wife, Katherine Robinson; his daughter Morgan’s husband, Nick; his two grandchildren, Isla Mae Robinson and Gabriella Robinson, whom he adored; and his three siblings, Elaine, Kirk and Freda.
His legacy lives on through the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he created with those he held dear. A celebration of Chad’s life will be held at a later date.
Meredith Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale is handling local arrangements.
