HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Lawrence 'Larrie' Evans Robinson, a beloved figure who transformed Grissom High School's athletic program into one of the most successful in Alabama history, passed away Friday at the age of 93.
Robinson’s remarkable legacy in high school sports spans decades, beginning with his instrumental role in building Grissom's athletic program from the ground up in 1969. It was his leadership which led to his being inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
In the months leading up to the opening of Grissom High School, school administrators were faced with the daunting task of finding a leader who could establish a top-tier athletic program. They found their man in Robinson, an assistant football coach at cross-town Butler High School.
Under Robinson’s guidance, Grissom’s football team quickly became a powerhouse, regularly earning spots in the state playoffs and even advancing to a state championship. Yet, it was not just football that flourished under his watch. Robinson served as the school’s athletic director, overseeing the development of a comprehensive program that would eventually earn state championships in nearly every sport, including basketball, baseball, soccer, track, volleyball, and swimming.
“I was always a football coach,” Robinson once said, “but I take as much pride in what we do in all those other sports as what we did on the football field.”
Robinson’s approach to coaching and athletic leadership was rooted in his personal values and the lessons he learned from his father, the Rev. W.L. Robinson. A lifelong credo shaped his philosophy: “If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, then your body can achieve it.” It was a principle Robinson applied not only to his athletes but also to the way he lived his life.
Born on May 31, 1931, in Coffeeville, Mississippi, Robinson’s journey into coaching began long before his time at Grissom. He was a standout in junior college football, earning Little All-American honors in 1949. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, Robinson completed his bachelor’s degree at Florence State (now the University of North Alabama) before joining John Meadows' coaching staff at Scottsboro High School. He followed Meadows to Butler High School in Huntsville, where he served as the head coach’s top assistant for several years.
Robinson’s leadership at Grissom High School went far beyond the football field. His dedication to fostering excellence in athletics across multiple sports set the foundation for what would become one of the most successful high school sports programs in the state. His impact can still be seen in the strong athletic tradition that continues at Grissom today.
Larrie Robinson is remembered not only for his contributions to Alabama high school sports but also for his deep commitment to his athletes’ development as individuals. His influence extended far beyond the game, shaping the lives of countless students and athletes who benefited from his guidance, wisdom, and vision.
As the Grissom Tigers continue to build on the legacy Robinson created, his family, friends, and former athletes will undoubtedly cherish the lessons he imparted and the lasting mark he left on the community. Robinson's passing leaves a void in the world of high school athletics, but his legacy of excellence, perseverance, and belief in the power of achievement will endure for generations to come.
A celebration of life service for Robinson will be held Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel on 698 Winchester Rd. NE. A burial service will be held afterward at the Valhalla Memory Gardens.
