Lee Robinson (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lee Robinson
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William Lee Robinson
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| Mayor of Macon, Georgia | |
| In office December 14, 1987 – December 11, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | George Israel |
| Succeeded by | Tommy Olmstead |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 25, 1943 Rome, Georgia |
| Died | November 4, 2015 (aged 72) Macon, Georgia |
| Political party | Democratic |
William Lee Robinson (born September 24, 1943 – died November 4, 2015) was an important American leader. He served as the Mayor of Macon, Georgia from 1987 to 1991. Before that, he was a State Senator for Georgia for four terms. Later in his life, he worked as a Public Defender in the Macon area. He helped many people in his community.
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Who Was Lee Robinson?
His Early Life and Education
Lee Robinson was born on September 24, 1943, in Rome, Georgia. He grew up and went to public schools in Bibb County. After finishing Lanier High School, he studied at Georgia Tech. He earned a degree in Industrial Management there.
Serving His Country: Military Career
After college, Robinson joined the U.S. Army. He went to Officer Candidate School and became an officer. He then joined the 173d Airborne Brigade and served in Viet Nam. While there, he received several awards for his bravery. These included three Bronze Star Medals.
After returning, he continued to serve in the United States Army Reserve. He was promoted to major in 1975. He commanded a company of paratroopers for four years. Later, he became a lieutenant colonel and then a colonel. He commanded different units and helped with important missions. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1999. He received the Legion of Merit for his excellent service. In 2001, he was honored in the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.
Working in Business
After his active military service, Robinson worked in his family's business. It was called Robinson Hardware. He also served on the board of directors for the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. The family business was sold in 1986.
Lee Robinson's Public Service
Serving in the Georgia State Senate
In 1974, when he was 31, Robinson was elected to the Georgia State Senate. He helped create the "Sunset Law." This law made sure that state agencies had to prove they were still useful. He also worked for more open government. He served for four terms, which was eight years.
In 1982, he left the Senate to study law and business. He went to Mercer University's law and business schools. He earned both a law degree and a business master's degree in 1985. He also studied at the United States Army War College in 1993.
Becoming Mayor of Macon
Robinson became the Mayor of Macon, Georgia, in 1987. He served until 1991. As mayor, he started a special program to help the community. This program was later used in other cities too. He also introduced new ways to plan and manage city projects.
One of his cool ideas was the Junior City Council. This program taught high school students about how local government works. It helped young people learn about being involved in their community.
Working as a Lawyer and Public Defender
After being mayor, Lee Robinson worked as a lawyer in Macon. He helped people with family law and also defended people who needed legal help. He often helped people who could not afford a lawyer. This experience led him to become a Circuit Public Defender.
In 2004, he was chosen as the Circuit Public Defender for the Macon Judicial Circuit. This area includes Bibb, Peach, and Crawford Counties. A Public Defender helps people who cannot afford a lawyer get fair legal representation. He was recognized with an award for his community service.
He also helped start the Georgia Association of Circuit Public Defenders. This group gives a voice to Public Defenders across Georgia. He worked to protect Public Defenders from political pressure. He also helped create rules for how Public Defenders are chosen for important roles.
Community Involvement
Lee Robinson was very active in his community. He was the chairman of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon. He also led the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. He was involved with groups that helped people with legal defense. He received an award for his service to people who needed legal help.
His Family Life
Lee Robinson was married to Irene Scales Robinson. They had two children together. He also enjoyed flying planes and was a licensed flight instructor.
His Passing
Lee Robinson passed away on November 4, 2015.
