William Paul Robinson Jr.
April 14, 1944 - August 18, 2025
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, brother and friend whose life was marked by strength, adventure, and a passion for the outdoors. Billy died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Billy was born in Du Quoin, IL to William P. and Mildred (Gross) Robinson. As a child, Billy and his parents moved to Dragerton, UT. He attended East Carbon High School where he learned his love of playing baseball, basketball, and football. It was in Dragerton where Billy built friendships that lasted a lifetime, with several of those friends walking alongside him through every chapter of his life.
After graduating high school in 1962, he went to work for a logging company in California. He married Sheila (Rauhala) in Dragerton in 1964. (later divorced) In 1968, Billy was drafted by the US Army and served for two years as a tanker operator in Germany. Upon returning home, he and Sheila moved to Sandy, UT. Together they had one son, Jeff. During this time, Billy established the company, Rubber West, in Salt Lake City.
In October of 1989, Billy married Bonnie Jo Gunn and the two began their life together in Park City. Through their marriage, Billy gained a stepson, Chad, whom he welcomed into his life with open arms. In 1996, the family relocated to Federal Way, Washington, where Billy and Bonnie spent 36 years together. They built a life filled with adventure, embracing the natural beauty of the Puget Sound, Redondo Beach, Dash Point and all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Billy cherished the time with his grandchildren, attending their sports games, school events, and enjoying many rounds of miniature golf and bowling. It was in Washington that Billy developed a deep love for the Seattle Seahawks and the Mariners.
Billy shared some of his fondest memories with his father, brother, son Jeff, and best friend Scott camping, hunting, and fishing in the mountains of Utah—places that brought him peace and joy. These early experiences nurtured a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a respect for nature that never left him.
Billy is survived by his wife Bonnie Robinson of Federal Way, WA, son Jeff (Melissa) Robinson of Grapevine, TX, stepson Chad (Angela) Karren of Orting, WA, Grandchildren Taylor Robinson, Kamry Robinson Masselink, Travis Karren, Mackenzie Karren, sisters Claudia Krissman, Christy Wright and Carla Gallegos, several nieces and nephews and lifelong best friend Scott (Karen) O’Brien.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents William Robinson, Mildred Robinson, brother Clyde Robinson, sister Sally Lewis, and high school best friend Jerry Coggins.
He will be remembered not only for his love of sports and the outdoors but also for his work ethic, quiet strength, and deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life—family and the outdoors. Even in our sorrow, we are comforted knowing that Billy’s suffering has ended and his spirit is free. We can only hope he is enjoying the mountains, fishing the river or enjoying the ocean.
A celebration of life will be later announced in Federal Way, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to https://www.pugetsoundveterans.org
