Franklin Delano Robinson III, better known to just about everyone as “Del,” passed away on January I, 2026, which frankly, was a terrible way for him to kick off the new year. If nothing else, it was very on-brand for someone who never did things in a predictable way.
Del was born on December 8, 1976, in Decatur, Alabama,to Frank and Armitia Robinson. He grew up in Union Hill, Alabama, where he developed his sharp wit, deep curiosity, and a talent for collecting both knowledge and good stories. He was a 1995 graduate of Brewer High School and never stopped learning.
If you knew Del, then you already know he was a joyous, magnetic presence – often the funniest and smartest person in any room, sometimes whether anyone was ready for that or not. He had a gift for saying exactly the right thing, fixing what was broken, and making people laugh even in the middle of chaos. Trying to summarize someone so unmistakably larger than life in a few paragraphs, feels like an impossible task. Nearly everyone who met Del left with a story – and usually a better mood than when they arrived.
Del loved music in all its forms and spent the last several years learning as many instruments as possible. He was a member of the Decatur Masonic Lodge. In recent years, he embraced homesteading with enthusiasm – tending projects, learning new skills, and proving that YouTube tutorials plus determination could take a person surprisingly far. In fact, he turned that passion into his own social media presence to share what he learned. Del was happiest when he was learning about something, building something, or explaining why his way was the better way.
He is survived by his siblings: his elder brother, Jeff Minor; his little sister, Dianne Ryan; and his brother-in-law, Michael Ryan – along with an enormous community of friends and extended family who loved him, learned from him, and will continue telling his stories for years to come. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Armitia Robinson.
Del was the perfect example of what it meant to be a good brother, friend, and family member. Our loss is immense, but the time we got to have with him while he was here was our blessing.
A Service celebrating Del’s life will be held at Valhermoso Springs Holiness Church on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Family will see friends from 11:00 AM until service time at the church.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Robinson, Nick Sasser, Patrick Dye, Jay Kempson, Temon Brown, and Jaime Dye.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Andy Holley, David Riddle, John O’Roarke, and Matthew Funk.
Peck Funeral Home
