Obituary: JOHN ANTHONY ROBERTS
By ADMIN-RAS | Published | No Comments
John Anthony Roberts, 63, formerly of Stoneville, passed away at home Saturday April 13th, 2024 in Troutman, NC after a long battle with a neurodegenerative disease.
Anthony was born in Rockingham County on June 15th, 1960, the son of John Henry Roberts and Margaret Hutcherson Roberts, both deceased. He was the only son of five children, the fourth child, who had an unwavering bond with his parents. He loved his family dearly and always enjoyed recalling old stories with his sisters.
Anthony graduated from John Motley Morehead High School in the Class of 1978 where he played football, delivered newspapers, played drums, loved Jeeps, and enjoyed lots of fishing at the sand pit. He went on to complete a couple of years of college before beginning his career. He was an incredibly hard working man who drove for multiple distributors including Coca-Cola, CE Armstrong Candy Professionals, and Sealtest Dairy until he was no longer physically able.
Anthony was the father of 3 children for whom he was very proud. He could always be found in the stands supporting them in their sports and hobbies even as his disease progressed. He was able to attend many of his children’s life events including their college graduations and all 3 weddings. In fact, with the help of physical therapy he was able to stand and make steps to give his baby girl away. He welcomed 6 grandchildren into the world who made him “Papa Anthony” which was a title that made him proudest of all. He was a member of Osborne Baptist Church where he participated in many Easter dramas, helped with Sunday school, played church softball, and truly loved his church family. He didn’t miss many NASCAR races whether he was at the track pulling for #3 with his daddy or watching on television after church. He closely followed the Atlanta Braves in baseball and the Duke Blue Devils in basketball. He could often be found washing his vehicle, working outside in the yard, or drinking a Sun Drop.
In his last years, his fondest memory was recalling a rafting trip down the Gauley River where he claims that he was the only one who never fell out; that still remains unconfirmed! Anthony spent the last few years of his life living with his daughter, Victoria. During that time he enjoyed being with his family, praying for his grandchildren, and experiencing some travels.
Anthony battled with a neurodegenerative disease for over 30 years. During that time he always had incredible strength and tolerance. His smile and big blue eyes could light up any room. Although he suffered from a continual loss of ability, his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ never wavered. Even in his suffering, he proclaimed that God is good.
Anthony is survived by his children, John Daniel Roberts and wife Misty, Joseph Anthony Roberts and wife Molly, and Victoria Roberts Prevette and husband Henry, and the mother of his children, Connie McClain; his sisters, Teresa Smart and husband Dickie, Sheila Hale and husband Randy, Karen Woods, and Andrea Heilborn and husband Jim; his grandchildren, John Carico Roberts, Isla Faye Roberts, Lelia Hope Roberts, Avery Elizabeth Roberts, Elizabeth Anne Roberts, and Ezra Walt Prevette; his caregiver, Frida Uribe; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Frida Uribe, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, and Dr. Daniel Roque for the wonderful care and guidance given to Anthony and the family.
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