W. Dayton Robinson

W. Dayton Robinson, age 75, of Pass Christian, died Sunday, January 2, 2011 in Gulfport. Born on the 2nd of January 1936 to William V. "Bill" and Katherine S. Robinson, Dayton was a lifelong citizen of Pass Christian, Mississippi. His education includes twelve years in the Pass Christian Public Schools graduating from Pass High in 1953 and four years at Mississippi Southern College (now University of Southern Mississippi) graduating in 1957 with double majors in History and Geography. Having earned a commission as a 2nd Lt. through R.O.T.C., he entered the U.S. Army in July 1957, served his tour and was released into the Reserves. He served an additional year in 1961-62 when called back to duty for the Berlin Crisis, and was discharged with the rank of Captain in 1969. His business activity was entirely with Hancock Bank. He started as a runner in June 1952 working at various harking positions between school and Army terms until April 1964 when he was selected as one of six bank employees to learn computers and establish the bank's Data Processing Division. He served in several data processing positions including programmer, systems analyst, Manager of computer operations, DASD manager, and Data Processing Security Manager until his retirement on the 3rd of July 1995. He participated in many civic activities over the years but is probably best known for his work with the Pass Christian Planning Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. He served in all elected offices in the Rotary Club and two terms as District Treasurer. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and a member of the Men's Club there. He was also a member of Pass Christian Historical Society, Hancock Bank Retirees, Sons of Confederate Veterans, the American Legion, and Live Oaks Cemetery Committee. He is survived by his sister, Nancy R. Ginn of Bay St. Louis; nieces and nephews, Bill (Cathy) Ginn of Lakeland, TN, Donald (Rose Marie) Ginn of Bay St. Louis; John Dayton "Jay" (Regina) Ginn of Hickory Flats, MS and Kathy Ginn of Bay St. Louis; great nieces and nephews, Bill II, Jessica, Jamie, John, Courtenay, Amanda, Jennifer, Jason, Justin, Jonathan, Kaylyn, Hayden, and Dayton; great great-nieces and nephews, Naomi, McKay, Caleb, and Andy. The family prefers memorials to Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 Church Avenue, Pass Christian, MS 39571 or the Pass Christian Historical Society, P.O. Box 58, Pass Christian , MS 39571. The visitation will be held Thursday, January 6, 2011 from 5 until 8:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. The funeral service is Friday, January 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pass Christian where friends may visit at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com