Bill Robbins, who served as a bid spotter at Fasig-Tipton for 50 years among other industry roles, passed away peacefully at his home in Lexington on Monday, June 17. He was 88 years old.
Robbins was born in Maysville, Kentucky on Tuesday, August 13, 1935. His family moved to Lexington in 1936 where he called home for the next 87 years. He went to Ashland Elementary School, Morton Middle School, Henry Clay High School and graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Kentucky in 1956.
Upon his graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served under Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. whom he greatly admired. After his naval duty, Bill returned to Lexington and entered into a long career in the insurance business. He met wife Jessica V. LeBus in 1959, and they were married in 1961.
From their marriage, they had three children, Pattie R. Broadbent (Happy), Earl G. Robbins, MD (Ashley), and William L. Robbins (Elizabeth), eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by brother, Robert E. Robbins and his sister, Sylvia R. Griffin.
In the insurance industry, Robbins chaired or served on several industry boards, and in his community, he had a number of favorite causes. He chaired the Boards of the Lexington Hearing and Speech Center, Sayre School, and the Lexington Cancer Society. He also served on the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Board, the Kentucky American Cancer Society Board, and he chaired the Mid-South Division Board of the American Cancer Society. He also helped found the Lexington Hope Lodge of which he was extremely proud.
Robbins was a cancer survivor of more than 30 years. The residual effects of his successful treatment tested him, and as with many tests, he more than met the challenge with humility and determination, his family writes in his obituary. Role modeling both survivorship and selflessness, he subsequently walked the oncology/chemotherapy floors at various hospitals visiting with cancer patients.
Robbins had a number of hobbies including bid spotting at Fasig-Tipton auctions for nearly 50 years. He owned horses for many years, both thoroughbreds and standardbreds. He was a member of the Thoroughbred Club of America and the Keeneland Club.
“He was a wonderful person,” said Fasig-Tipton President and CEO Boyd Browning. “He loved bid spotting at our sales and was a shareholder for many years. He owned a small piece of Goodnight Olive and was able to come to the November Sale last year and see her sell for $6 million. In addition, he essentially founded the KTA insurance group, which still handles our health insurance today. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
Said his family in their obituary, “He, too, meant more to us than he possibly could have imagined. He was a captivating storyteller of his youthful adventures. He had a magnetic personality that led to an abundance of friends. He practiced gratitude and forgiveness, served with a loving heart, respected others with an open mind and was selflessly kind. We will do our best to uphold the many lessons he taught us.”
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26th from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Kerr Brothers on Main Street in Lexington. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 27th at 10 a.m. at Lexington Cemetery for family and close friends though all are welcome.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Lexington Hope Lodge, Lexington Hearing and Speech Center or Berea College.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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