Robert “Bishop” Robbins, Jr., 27

“Geologist for the US Army Corps of Engineers and striving to make a better, safer, and more beautiful world for everyone.”

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Brenda McClure (Thornburg) and Ed and Lucy Robbins (Bishop). Robert ‘Bishop’ Robbins, Jr. was born in Greenville, South Carolina on October 14, 1998 and passed away August 17, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bishop, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend to many, is survived by his parents Dana Kessler and Robert Robbins, Sr., stepfather William Kessler, siblings Laurel Robbins Graffagnini (Scott), Anna Lee Robbins, Adele Robbins, Clara Robbins, Jeanie Kessler, William Kessler, special family friends Rob, JoAnne, Kayleigh, and Brett Griffin, as well as countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bishop happily embraced the affectionate title ‘Uncle B’ to his niece and nephew, Rosie and Wesley Graffagnini.

Bishop passed away due to an accidental drug overdose from legally purchased drugs mixed with his prescription medication. With these drugs, there are often no traditional signs of drug abuse. His family shares this tragedy in the hope that this will initiate conversations and save other lives — many people believe these drugs are safe because they can be purchased at smoke shops and gas stations.

From his early years, Bishop’s enthusiastic and serious (but silly) spirit left a mark on everyone he encountered. Bishop’s passion for soccer began when he started playing at 5 years old in Heidelberg, Germany, and continued all of his life with his support of the German national team and FC Bayern Munich – even when he started playing “American” football in high school and became a dedicated Auburn University football fan. Bishop was a proud movie buff, candy connoisseur, and animal lover (particularly his beloved cat, Dutch), and especially loved sharing his passions and life with his siblings, whom he loved dearly.

Adventurous and loving of all people and cultures, Bishop was a devoted traveler and driven by his desire to experience cultures, cities, food, stories, and the globe firsthand. He frequently traveled through school, work, and for fun – most recently, Bishop traveled to Japan with his best friends, Brett and Andrew. Home, according to Bishop, was always Heidelberg, Germany.

Bishop proudly graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in 2021 and obtained his Master of Science in Geochemistry and Petrology in 2022. What really set Bishop apart was his unwavering devotion, dedication, and enthusiasm for his work as a geophysicist. His passion for the environment, continued knowledge and expansion of his education, and motivation to share that with all he met inspired and impressed. He was nominated by his peers and selected as the 2026 Scientist of the Year within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District Engineering and Construction Division, an honor that was scheduled to be bestowed upon him in September.

Bishop’s legacy is one of limitless love, drive, and kindness – a reminder that a life best lived is one true to oneself. His love for his family, passion for his career, and kindness will be remembered forever by all who knew him.

As we say goodbye and “bis später” to our son, brother, uncle, and friend, we honor his life by moving forward in the relentless pursuit of good and sharing it with others.

Donations can be made in honor of Bishop’s love for nature and all things Auburn to Friends of the Arboretum – Auburn Giving.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.