Pace Robinson Obituary: Retd CEO of Modern Supply died at 65

Pace Robinson Obituary: Sherrill Pace Robinson, age 65, passed away on November 27, 2023, in Knoxville, TN suddenly at home by his beloved Fort Loudon Lake.

Knoxville, 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 the 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.

Pace’s funeral, Tuesday, November 28 at 11:00 AM at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike. A graveside service will follow at the New Jewish Cemetery, 1800 Glenn Avenue.