WHITE STONE—Captain Meredith Mack Robbins Sr., 96, of White Stone departed this life peacefully on February 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. His final days were spent overlooking the tranquil waters of the Rappahannock River, a view he cherished deeply.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Dixie Cooper Robbins; and his son, Richard C. Robbins.
He is survived by his sister, Sara Robbins Douglas; his sons, Mack Robbins Jr. (Robin) and Leo Robbins (Michelle); his grandchildren, Jennifer Robbins Thomas, Eric Robbins, Chris Robbins, Kylie Robbins, Abigail Robbins Shirah (Dustin), Theresa Marie Robbins and Braxton Robbins (Banessa); his great-grandchildren, Tori, Tyde, Lane, Walter, Charleigh, Levi, Xavier, Meredith Olivia and Noah Cooper; and his great-great-grandchildren, Toby, Jami, Christi and Browning.
Meredith was born on May 28, 1929, to John Cleveland Robbins and Annie Lawson Robbins of White Stone. He was one of eight children: Wallace, Raymond, Palmer, Mary Custis, John, Sara and Harry.
At just 16 years old, Meredith discovered his lifelong love for the sea, following in the footsteps of a long line of mariners in both the Robbins and Lawson families. By age 19, he had earned his first captain’s position aboard the tugboat Massaponax in Fredericksburg.
In 1953, Meredith was drafted into service during the Korean War. He served as a specialist in the United States Army and continued in the Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1962.
Following his military service, Meredith began his distinguished career in the menhaden fishing industry. He worked the coastal waters from Massachusetts to Texas, serving as captain for 26 years across 15 different vessels. Highly respected in his field, he mentored many young men who went on to build notable careers of their own.
After retiring from commercial fishing, Meredith founded Bay Seafood on Antipoison Creek, building a successful seafood and bait business. This later became known as Robbins Boat Yard, or the “Fish House” to family and friends. If you knew Captain Meredith, you knew this was his favorite place. He loved tinkering with boats, sharing stories of the “good old days,” and welcoming friends who stopped by—always accompanied by his beloved cat, Sam.
Meredith and his sweetheart, Dixie, were longtime members of the Windmill Point Yacht Club and shared many years of traveling the world together. He was a key contributor to the Irvington Steamboat Era Museum, served as grand marshal of the 2013 Kilmarnock Christmas Parade, and was interviewed numerous times by the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, where his knowledge of the fishing industry was deeply valued. One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a member of The Island Church in Foxwells.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Captain Meredith’s devoted care team—Peyton Wilmer, Lynn Gaddy, Evelyn Crockett, and especially his granddaughter, Jennifer. Your care, patience and kindness during this time will never be forgotten.
Captain Meredith will forever be remembered for his deep love of family, his dedication to his community and his gift for never meeting a stranger. Though he will be dearly missed, his legacy will live on.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 27, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock.
The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 28, at Claybrook Baptist Church in Weems and a reception thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Garfield’s Rescue in Kilmarnock, or to The Island Church in White Stone.
