Obituary for Sherrill Pace Robinson

Sherrill Pace Robinson, age 65, passed away on November 27 in Knoxville, TN suddenly at home by his beloved Fort Loudon Lake. Pace, as he was known to everyone except his teachers on the first day of school, will be remembered for the unwavering positive energy and love he brought to everyone and everything who was lucky enough to cross his path.

A fourth-generation Knoxvillian, Pace was born in 1958 at St. Mary's Hospital. Pace was a graduate of Sequoyah Elementary, Tyson Junior, and West High School. He then attended University of Florida where he majored in Finance and was a member of the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity.

One of the great highlights of his life was the 1982 World's Fair, as it provided a forum for him to meet the love of his life, Karen. Married in 1985, they quickly committed to making a life in Knoxville. Their two sons, Eli and Asher, were born shortly thereafter and Pace kicked off a lifetime of service to both his business and the community around him.

Pace worked with his father, Mitchell Robinson, at Modern Supply, until Mitchell's death at which time Pace became president until he retired in 2017. He cared deeply for the thousands of employees, customers, and vendors whom he served over four decades. Regionally, he rose to be the President of the Southern Wholesalers Association, growing awareness and respect for those in his industry.

As a community volunteer, he helped lead the Knoxville Jewish Federation, Knoxville Jewish Alliance, Heska Amuna Synagogue, Knoxville Jewish Community Family of Funds, Webb School of Knoxville, Knoxville Utilities Board as Chairman, Sertoma, as well as many others. He was a tremendous supporter of the University of Tennessee where he and Karen endowed "The Karen and Pace Robinson Enrichment Fund" in the Religious Studies Department.

When he was not in the public eye, Pace was even more impressive as a great husband, father, and grandfather, along with friend, mentor and volunteer. He also loved his regular poker game where for over 30 years, the stakes are still a quarter a chip. Whether on the golf course, on the boat, or when reading a good book, Pace inspired his network to join him to expand their horizons with him.
 
 He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years Karen Markoff Robinson, sons Eli Nathaniel Robinson (Sarah Scheinman) and Asher Britt Robinson (Laura Diamond), and granddaughter Poppy Ella Robinson. He is also survived by his siblings A.J. Robinson (Nicole Ellerine) and Geela Rayzel Raphael (Simcha), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pace was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Natalie Robinson, grandparents, Rabbi A.J. and Sylvia Robinson and Hyman and Ella Levison, father-in-law Edwin Markoff, and uncles Ruben Robinson and Gilbert and Jarvin Levison.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Karen And Pace Enrichment Fund, Religious Studies Department, University of Tennessee, The Knoxville Jewish Alliance, or Mobile Meals. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.