William F. Roberts Jr.
Gastonia, NC on 18 October 1953
Orlando, FL on 07 June 2015
61 years
His cremated remains will be scattered at sea in an honorable ceremony, courtesy of the Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, FL.
Location of Service
Banfield Funeral Home & Crematory
Funeral Date
William was a proud veteran serving a total of 22 years, first in the U.S. Army, then in the U.S. Navy, where he retired. As a highly respected Gas Turbine Engineer, he served his tours of duty all over the world, including aboard the USS O’Brien, USS Aquila, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and lastly in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After his retirement in 1995, he and his family settled down in Orlando, Florida.
Often found relaxing in his recliner or enjoying the outdoors, he lived his life to the fullest. His favorite activities were fishing, grilling, listening to music with his wife, and watching televised sporting events. He was a loyal Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and always made sure he got home just in time for the game. William was a quiet man, with wisdom and a wonderful sense of humor that affected everyone he met.
William is survived by his wife of 23 years, Bernis Roberts; children, Jennifer Honeysucker, Nikkita and (Lorenzo) White, James Honeysucker, Dominic F. Roberts, Amanda and (Kyle) Joiner, and Jacqueline Roberts; grandchildren, Keyondra White, and Kyleah Joiner; and mother-in-law, Bernice Pittman.
He will be deeply missed, but his memories will live in our hearts forever. We welcome you to pay tribute to William and share your memories on this memorial page.
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Happy Birthday, dad. I miss you a lot. Should have made some chocolate cake, but I'll make up for it on the 22nd. Love you.
RobertsReply
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Dear Roberts family, I offer my condolences to you all as you cope with this tragic loss.. Although I did not know William, it is very clear that he was loved by many people. I'm sure you all have what must feel like a billion memories of him that you will never forget, and God will never forget his memory of William either. Although coping with the loss of a loved one is extremely difficult, there is reason to have hope for the future. In Revelation 21:3, 4 God promises to "wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away". I wish you all the best as you continue to cope during this difficult time, and I know that William will be delighted to see his loving family again soon!
smithReply
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To the family and friends of William. I am sorry for your loss. I just wanted to share some encouraging words with you during this time of grief. I would like to share a scripture with you that brought me comfort when I lost my father. It's found at 1John -5:28,29 where it says that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous also the scripture at Psalms chapter 37 verse 10 and 11 tells us that the righteous and the meek will inherit the earth and they will possess it forever how encouraging that is for us to know that we will be able to see our dead loved ones again in the very near future. If you would like further information please visit jw.org where you can find additional Bible-based material and also fill out an online request for a free home Bible study.
ChisholmReply
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I just wanted to offer my condolences to your family for your loss. I was touched to read all of the love expressed. Death is truly an enemy, and until God fulfills his promise to put an end to it, may you have his comfort as you cope ~ Revelation 21:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4
FosterReply
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One night I had a dream... I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life. This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way; but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.” The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” - The Footprints Prayer Jenny Leah
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Its hard to accept that you are no longer here. You've been my father for pretty much my entire life and I can't remember a time when you haven't been there. My fondest memories are of you braiding my hair as a little girl (badly); teaching me to drive; how to change a spare; and how to build almost anything. You've been present for every important event in my life, every graduation, walked me down the aisle, and even the birth of my first child. It's difficult to accept that Ashton will never get to meet you and that you will no longer be close by to offer your support. I'm no good at goodbyes so I'll see you again one day.
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https://youtu.be/QiDCAXIw0yU
JoinerReply
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"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be So he put his arms around you and whispered “Come With Me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, slowly fade away, Although we loved you dearly, we would not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best." Although it was only for a few years, I'm glad God allowed me to have another father figure in my life. You will truly be missed and always will be remembered. Rest In Peace.
Joiner
This day marks our first year of temporal separation. I love and miss you, Bernis
RobertsReply
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