Former CEO of Modern Supply Company Pace Robinson Dies at 65
Longtime Knoxville, Tennessee business leader Pace Robinson, retired President and CEO of Modern Supply Company, has passed away at the age of 65. Robinson died peacefully on November 25th after battling a short illness, leaving the Knoxville community remembering a tireless contributor who helped transform regional industrial supply chains over his prolific career.
Storied Career in Industry
A Knoxville native, Pace Robinson began working for Modern Supply straight out of college in the late 1970s, learning operations from the ground up. He eventually rose through managerial ranks before assuming the company’s top leadership position in 2015 upon the retirement of his mentor, guiding Modern Supply’s local expansion.
Robinson pushed Modern Supply to the forefront of the construction equipment and industrial supplier field through investments in emerging technologies and relationships with global partners like Hitachi. The company is now one of Tennessee’s foremost specialized commercial equipment providers thanks to Robinson’s visionary oversight.
Passion for Community Growth
Beyond Modern Supply’s incredible business evolution under Pace Robinson’s command, colleagues also emphasize his profound commitment to fostering Knoxville’s economic vitality through commercial development initiatives Robinson spearheaded in various leadership capacities.
From the East Tennessee Society of Chemical Engineers to the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Robinson understood creating regional prosperity required collective coordination amongst governmental, academic and private sector players. Knoxville is now a stronger more vibrant community thanks to his years of selfless contributions behind the scenes.
Overcoming Health Challenges
In a tragic turn, Robinson developed significant heart issues that eventually necessitated bypass surgery in 2021 at just 63 years old, forcing his early Modern Supply retirement. But his entrepreneurial fire continued blazing through board roles and passion projects focused on revitalizing neglected Knoxville neighborhoods.
That is why his unexpected death after battling recent mystery health setbacks comes as such an immense shock. But Robinson’s legacy persisting through myriad local business ventures and revamped city blocks stands years more impactful because he selflessly kept fighting to uplift Knoxville until the very end.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
The commercial equipment mecca Pace Robinson moulded Modern Supply into stands a living memorial to his four decades of vision and tenacity bettering Knoxville’s business arena. His such extensive positive regional imprint explains the immense sadness from scores of partners and proteges who marveled at Robinson's work ethic and acumen right through his final year.
While words cannot mend the sorrow of losing this community giant, Knoxvillians find solace in admiring the landscape Robinson played such a leading role shaping behind the curtain. The fruits of his labor continue benefiting the people of this thriving Southern hub daily thanks to Pace Robinson’s enduring influence.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p7%2FKoaybZpOkunC6xLCqZpuRqsCmec6fZJ2dkam1cLzAnJxmqp%2BXtq%2B%2FzqdkpKafrcOquMueZJqmlGK9oq%2FEZqmompmjwLC6jKiZoqyllr%2B6ecKepmaln5mys7qMrKypqJyu