“It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day but I was still unprepared. But you don’t always get what you want in life. This may seem to be a little premature as news of my demise has been greatly exaggerated but I just wanted to trifle with writing a decent obit for myself, something factually based and not overly sentimental. So here is an attempt to do that:
“On the subject of my life, I was born 10-24-43 at home within sight of Huntsville Hospital to a mother who died within 18 months of my birth from a malady described only as pleurisy. Single parent homes were practically impossible to maintain in those days and so I was sent to live with my paternal grandparents above New Market on the edge of the Tennessee border. The old home place was a dirt farm on which cotton only was raised and it was here as a boy I learned the hard scrabble life of farming with a mule to earn a livelihood and providing most other necessities of life by hard labor. It was also a time of learning the simple pleasures of country living: blue skies filled with clouds of every imaginable description, the smell of hay for the animals, flowers of pink that grew wild along the road sides, cold water from a well drunk from a tin dipper, rest in the shade of pecan trees, walking down long dusty roads, and long days of playing as a child with no cares.
“At age 6, I was sent back to Huntsville to live with my father and older brother and to begin my education at Fifth Avenue School on what became Governors Drive. It was here I had my first experience of something akin to motherly love. I can still remember the unfamiliar sweet smell and softness of the first hug from Mrs. Vinson who taught second grade and eventually became principal after Joe Davis was elected mayor, and the kindness of Mrs. Anderson who understood how difficult the transition from farm life to city dweller with its social graces could be.
“Even though my father did his best to provide the basics of life for the family there was little or no time for family life except when itinerant preachers infrequently came and stayed for a few days at a time. Life was still harsh without indoor plumbing, electricity or running water and food was often in short supply.
“But it was at school where I learned the lessons from my teachers that gave me the greatest joys in life. From the first hug of Mrs. Vinson, the breakfasts and lunches provided by Mrs. Howell, to the 6th grade class trip to the Smokies with Mrs. Shotts and on thru middle school where a love of learning was instilled followed by social failure but academic success in high school. So many things in my life seemed of little significance at the time but they took on a greater importance as I grew older.
“The memories that I took with me included the sacrifices my father made to keep body and soul together, the indulgence and love of the teachers who mentored me, my work experiences as a youth and teenager that led to my fierce independence, college life with the expansion of my world, and finding a mate with whom I have enjoyed decades of peaceful and productive living including the raising of a son to be a productive adult in his own right.
“I loved our home in Old Piedmont in Huntsville where we worked and raised our family. Friends, neighbors, church members, team mothers, parents, and coaches alike all contributed to a life well lived. Peace and contentment were watch words for years and years. All I met and knew enriched my life and I left owing them a gratitude I could never repay. These are the treasures that are irreplaceable and will go with me wherever my journey takes me.
“So, I was born; I blinked; and it was over. I did have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. How much more blessed can a person be? Just remember to keep smiling and to do your best. Follow your dream and something amazing will come of your life. Do not cry because I am gone but be happy that I was here, and know that somewhere I am happy and singing.”
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, October 20, 2025 at Maple Hill Cemetery; 202 Maple Hill Street SE, Huntsville, AL 35801.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Roberts asked that donations be made to the Open Door Food Pantry at the Church at the Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
