NATCHEZ — George Robinson was a man of conviction and determination.

He was a leader in the community, a family man and a devout Christian.

On Saturday and Natchez Civil Service Commission chairman and father of two died of pneumonia, complicated by a weakened heart from a massive heart attack in 2006, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

He was 58 years old.

For the family, friends and colleagues who knew Robinson, he was an all-around unique individual.

“A George doesn’t come by every day,” Civil Service Commissioner James Cole said.

Cole served on the commission, which is responsible for the appointing and promotion of firemen and policemen, with Robinson for 17 years.

And at first, Cole said he didn’t known Robinson from Adam.

But almost instantly, Cole respected Robinson, he said.

“I just respected him so much,” Cole said. “If he believed in something, he didn’t give up, and he did his best to see that we put the best firemen and policemen in the City of Natchez.”

The initial respect for Robinson grew into a bond and a friendship between the two men.

“We discussed politics — everything you can imagine,” Cole said. “He was very opinionated; he stuck to it.

“George, in the face of adversity, he didn’t waiver.”

Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said the civil service commission was created in order to keep politics out of appointing the city’s first responders.

Cole said one of the things he admired most about Robinson was his ability to carry out that duty.

“If he stepped on toes, he just stepped on them,” he said.

In the community, Robinson threw himself into many activities with an energy and fervor that was unique only to him, said his wife of 39 years, Addie.

“George was never one who was idle,” she said. “He loved doing things, especially if it was helping someone. He would put himself out there 100 percent to aid someone.”

Robinson was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member at Bright Star Baptist Church, a member of the Mississippi State PTA and served on the Sunshine Shelter board of directors.

“George was a man of conviction,” Addie said. “When he went after a cause, he was dedicated to it. He loved people. He loved his community. He loved his church.”

And he loved his family.

At home, Robinson was a shoulder to lean on for Addie.

“He was my best friend. When I needed to talk to someone, I could sit and talk with him,” she said. “When there were problems, he was my confidant.”

For his two sons, Sedrick and Terrence, he was a role model, teacher and cheerleader, Addie said.

“He tried to guide his boys,” she said. “He believed in pushing them to try to do the best.”

And he never missed an opportunity to share how he felt about them. Just last week, he told Sedrick and Terrence he was proud of the men they turned out to be, Addie said.

Cole said it won’t just be those who knew him who will feel a loss over him, but instead it will be the whole community.

Mullins said the civil service will definitely feel the loss.

“He was a straight guy with a level head,” he said. “It was a real asset having him on the civil service commission.”

The Natchez Board of Aldermen is charged with appointing members to the civil service commission.

Mayor Jake Middleton said the city is now accepting applications for the position and will continue to do so until 5 p.m. May 29.

Middleton said a new commissioner should be appointed by June.