Thomas Floyd Waters Robison, age 86, a native of Grafton. WV, passed away Wednesday February 4, 2009 at Grafton City Hospital. He was born October 1, 1922, the youngest son of the late Floyd F. and Parmelia E. (Jackson) Robison.
Surviving are his sister Meriam A. (Robison) Ware now residing in Rock Hill, South Carolina, three nephews Bernard L. Ware II of Moss Beach California, Terring Michael Ware of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Floyd F. Robison II of Morgantown, Indiana; his nieces Patti E. Gibson of Westminster, Colorado, Terri L. (Gibson) Mc Callum of Arvada, Colorado; and several grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Howard E. Robison and his sister Mary (Maxine) (Robison) Gibson.
Thomas served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during WWII from February 23,1943 to October 5, 1945 achieving the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd `Class (Combat Air Crewman). He was the Turret Gunner on a Grumman Avenger Torpedo Bomber. He received a citation for meritorious achievement for his part in aerial action against enemy Japanese forces in the Volcano Islands during the period from February 17 to 23, 1945 in Composite Squadron 83, attached to the USS SARGENT BAY CV83. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and a total five Air Medals during his active duty.
After being discharged from the Navy, Thomas attended West Virginia University, earning his BA in Civil Engineering. Later, he worked for several years as a fireman on diesel locomotives on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Tom really enjoyed the music of the 40's. Among his favorites were the artistry of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Julie London, and Lena Horne among others.
As a final display of concern for his fellow man, Thomas contributed his body to further medical science. A permanent memorial website on the Internet will be established in his memory at http://[email protected], A memorial service will be conducted at the Long Term Care Unit of Grafton City Hospital at 1:30 on March 7. Anyone wishing to make a tribute to his memory is encouraged to consider a donation to the WVU School of Medicine or School of Nursing at: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/development/som/