James Roy Roberts Sr.

James “Jim” Roy Roberts Sr., 82, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, August 6, 2020 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 14, 1938 in Wilkes County to the late William Arnold Roberts and Willie Mae Wyatt Graybeal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Della Mae Donaldson Roberts in 2000, and two sisters, Myrtle Jean Aldridge and Navonia Dixon.

Jim honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He enjoyed many career ventures, including truck driving, operating Roberts Landscaping and Fencing, and was a warehouse manager at Independent Beverage. He was a Past Master of Allen-Graham Masonic Lodge #695. He was also a faithful member of Central Baptist Church. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with his neighbors. He also loved to play golf and will be fondly remembered for always being a jokester. Jim had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Turbo and Diesel.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, James Roy (Lori) Roberts Jr.; daughter, Rebecca Dawn (Darren) Pettis; grandchildren, Caitlin (Phillip) Hebert, Brandon James Roberts, Lindsey Pettis, and Cameron Pettis, and three great-grandchildren, Kennedy Hebert, Harrison Fox Hebert, and Lennox Goodman, who will all miss him dearly.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2020 at Whitley’s Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Curtis Parker and Rev. Mike Edwards officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Carolina Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 933 Louise Avenue, #101B, Charlotte, NC 28204.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.