Mr. Thelbert Lee “Bob” Roberts, 75, of Hinesville, GA, died Thursday, December 28, 2023, in Savannah, GA, after a nearly year-long battle with colon cancer.
He was born May 8, 1948, in Tabor City, NC, and was the son of his late parents: James Walter Roberts, Allie Lee Sellers Hardwick, and his very special stepdad Jim C. (Pete) Hardwick.
Mr. Roberts served in the United States Air Force with four tours of duty in Vietnam with the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Following his time in the Air Force, he served in numerous locations around the country and world working as General Manager for the United States Army & Air Force Exchange Service (PX/BX) including the Panama Canal Zone, Moody Air Force Base, Hill Air Force Base, and McClellan Air Force Base, along with many others. He retired in 1994 after over 25 years of service at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, GA, where he resided until his death.
Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his brothers James Walter Roberts Jr., Olin Burrell Hucks, Tommy L. Roberts, Richard Hucks, James Westly Webb, sister Margaret Roberts Nelson, grandson Jacob Morris, and special aunts Retha Bell Cartrette and Lizzie Mae Smith Sellers.
Surviving him are his son Giang Tony Roberts (Christie) of Pawleys Island, SC, daughter Michelle Elizabeth Roberts Kelterborn (Kelsy) of Athens, GA, stepson David William Righter of Richmond Hill, GA; sister Helen Roberts Montgomery of Conway, SC; brother Clifton Hucks (Connie) of Conway, SC; grandchildren Taylor Morris (Maria), Riley Wilson (Hunter), Ethan Righter, Matthew Righter, and Samantha Pinedo (Brandon); and great-grandsons Jacob and Landon. He is also survived by numerous special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that he could all speak to for hours about memories, God, food, and family.
He was one special man to many, whether it was for his listening ear that came with support, his love for all, and genuine interest in everyone’s well being and lives. Most importantly, he was an amazing father that his children are proud of, loved dearly, and are thankful to call him Dad with the hopes to continue his legacy.
A special thank you to the PCU Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hospice of Savannah, Dr. Bulbul’s Oncology Team, and the VA for all of the medical and emotional support during his illness.
A celebration of his life will be held at Inman Ward Funeral Home in Tabor City, NC, on January 6, 2024, at 11:00am. A procession will follow to bury his ashes at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in his honor.
It’s not a goodbye, it’s a “so long for now.”
A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory of Tabor City.
