Donald F. Robbins, passed away on December 5, 2008, in Franklin, North Carolina at the age of 94. Donald “Doc” Robbins was born on May 1, 1914 in Fall River, Massachusetts. His family moved to Tampa, Florida where he was raised with two brothers and three sisters. He attended the University of Florida and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Tampa. He continued his education, received a degree in medicine and became a general practitioner. He married his college sweetheart Marie Wells. They resided in Coral Gables, Florida where they raised their three children Joel W. Robbins, Richard Robbins, and Linda Robbins. Subsequent to Marie’s death in 1976 he remarried Marguerite Bontemps, who shared his life and travels until she passed away in July, 2007. In his youth he developed a love for flying. He started flying airplanes at a small airport in Florida before World War II. He washed and refueled airplanes and in return he was allowed to fly an airplane for 30 minutes a week. As World War II got closer the government began a Civilian Pilot Training Program and Donald got himself involved, first as a student and later as an instructor. Donald became an instructor at Embry-Riddle Aviation Co., and also served as a flight surgeon where he received the nickname “Doc.” He later signed on with Pan American Airlines as a co-pilot on a DC-3. He became a crew member on Pan American’s Boeing 307’s, and at various times he served as a consultant for affiliated airlines; Mexicana and Cubana; working on pilots’ manuals, flight safety, and training. Once, while stationed in New Orleans he served as a test pilot on Consolidated PHY-5A amphibians. He went on to pilot every plane Pan American owned, all the way up to the Boeing 747 which was introduced in 1974. A familiar quote of Donald was “I never scratched the paint on any of them.” He was one of Pan American’s most senior captains and was rated by that airline as a Master Ocean Pilot, qualified to fly almost any plane the airline owned to any place in the world. Upon his retirement he logged in 33,000 hours of pilot time. Throughout his life, Donald was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America both in Coral Gables and Franklin. He impacted the lives of many young scouts, including his grandson William, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He himself was awarded the Silver Beaver, one of scouting’s highest honors, for meritorious service. He was a member of the Rotary Club and took great pride in his perfect attendance record. Even while he was flying he always made it a point to attend the local Rotary in whatever country he was currently in to preserve his record. He received many achievement awards, including the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Donald F. Robbins was a great man who positively influenced the lives of many people. He is survived by his sisters Dorothy Fisher, Phyllis Bearss and Margaret Robbins; a brother, Carroll G. Robbins, Jr; sons Joel W. Robbins and Richard Robbins; grandchildren William Robbins, Lisa Robbins, Michael Robbins, Kelly Meahl and Robin Foy; and great-grandchildren Alexander William Robbins, and Tyler, Toby and Casey Meahl. No Services are planned.
Macon Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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