Willie G. Roberts

Willie Gene Roberts, affectionately known as “Robbie” was born on February 17, 1942, to the late Cero and Dollie Roberts in Colquitt, Georgia. He was married to the Love of his Life Anna Jean for over 50 years.

Willie accepted Christ at an early age and received his early childhood education at Little Zion Freewill Baptist Church, which was founded by his late great– grandfather, Reverend Daniel Bush, Sr. Later he transitioned to Bethel Elementary and then to Bethel High school, earning his high school diploma in 1960. As an intellectual scholar, Willie graduated in the top 20 of his class. In addition to his exceptional intelligence being evident, it was immediately acknowledged by the United States Navy. As a result of the superior high scores he earned on the ASVAB, recruiters came to his house and waited on his porch for hours, to personally pursue him. Willie promised his mother he would make her proud, if she allowed him to join the military. He joined the Navy in 1964 as Radioman, specializing in communication technologies and over the years, fulfilled his promise beyond the highest expectations imaginable.

During his enlistment in the Navy, he served in the 1991 Desert Shield/Storm Campaign where he was appointed as the Coordinator of the Naval Reserve Transition and Recognition (RESTAR) program to ensure the rapid and seamless return of US troops to Norfolk, VA. Throughout the years, he earned myriad recognitions, awards, and accolades to include: Golden Stripes; Navy Battle “E” Ribbon for outstanding command performance and overall readiness to execute combat mission; (6) Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medals; (2) Navy Achievement Medals; Sailor of the Month; Sailor of the Year;  Meritorious Unit Commendation; (2) National Defense Medals; (2) Naval Reserve Sea Service Awards; and an Armed Forces Reserve Medal. After serving his country for 30 years, Willie retired as a pinned Command Senior Chief.

Although retired from the Navy, Willie’s work ethic did not retire. He continued to exhibit his intelligence and technology expertise as a Tidewater Community College (TCC) Communications Instructor at the shipyard and a television repairman, prior to ambitiously embarking upon his 27-year entrepreneurial journey as a certified tax specialist.

Early in his life, being the oldest of 8 children, Willie embraced the importance of family. His siblings describe him as a responsible, obedient, loveable, and peaceful child who was a phenomenal baseball player, as an outfielder. Throughout the years, Willie was a faithful servant in both church and the community, who touched many lives as a good-spirited humanitarian who would do anything for anyone. He fed those experiencing hunger, served on the Commission of Architectural Review, taught Sunday school, sung in the male choir, served as Chairman of the Trustee Board and later Trustee Emeritus and as the President of the Andrews Brothers, he was on a mission, alongside his brothers, helping to aid those in need in the community.

After a life well lived, God called him to eternal rest on Monday, January 31, 2023. He was predeceased by his sister, Betty R. King. Willie Gene Roberts leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Anna Jean Roberts; his children Mickey Lamont Roberts (Linda) of Portsmouth, VA, LaBrenita Whitaker and DeShawn Whitaker both of Virginia Beach, VA; his siblings: Bobby G. Roberts, Mary R. Neal (Willie), Billy J. Roberts, Edward C. Roberts, Jackie Roberts, and Melanese D. Roberts, all of Albany, GA; and two sisters-at-heart, Brenda Whitaker (Leroy) of Virginia Beach, VA and Rachel Weston of  Portsmouth, VA as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.