Ralph Roland Roberts

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. Ralph Roland Roberts, age 90, who passed away on Friday, June 28, 2013. A Native of Jefferson, Georgia, Mr. Roberts was born on January 1, 1923, the son of the late Artis Eugene and Effie Mae Turner Roberts. In addition to his parents, Mr. Roberts is preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Eugene Roberts and Johnny Bee Roberts, granddaughter, Deven Hemphill, a son, Jeffery Roberts and his wife of 50 years, Louise Armstrong Roberts. After a childhood spent in his hometown of Jefferson, Mr. Roberts enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served his country as a staff sergeant in France, England, and the border of Russia during WWII, earning a World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service, Mr. Roberts returned to Jefferson and was employed by the Jefferson Mills and Gainesville Mills, before opening his automotive body shop in 1949. He retired from his business, Roberts Body Shop and Roberts Wrecker and Towing Service in 2006 after serving the community of Jefferson for over 57 years. Both before and after his retirement, he avidly pursued his hobby of restoring vintage automobiles and trucks.

Survivors include his son, Freddie Roberts, daughter, Barbara (Billy) Duke, and daughter Karen (Ricky) Hemphill, all of Jefferson. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Alisa Roberts, Julie Roberts Fletcher, Taylor Duke, Tucker Duke, Timberlie McEver, Chad Hemphill, Jessica Brothers, Karen Roberts and 12 great Grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 3-5pm on Sunday at Evans Funeral Home in Jefferson. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Carpenter and Rev. Alan Saunders officiating. The interment will follow in the Faith Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Jefferson School System Foundation, 575 Washington Street, Jefferson, Georgia 30549, or to the Jefferson Public Library, 379 Old Pendergrass Road, Jefferson, Georgia 30549.

Evans Funeral Home Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia. 706-367-5467.