Billy D. Roberts, 88, of Shelbyville, TN, passed peacefully on September 27th, 2025, at The Goldton Assisted Living Facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Born on May 25th, 1937, in Greenwood, Mississippi, he was the child of Ephram and Louise Roberts (Compton). When he was 5 years old, he and his family relocated to Texas as a result of the Mississippi Flood in 1942. Then, at the age of 14, his family relocated to Michigan.
He was a graduate of Kaleva High School. After joining the military in 1961, Billy served as an E-5 in the Army until 1964. He was briefly stationed in Korea. During his time in the Army, his Distinctions included a Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter (Rifle), Letter of Commendation, and Expert (Carbine). He then became an ordained minister in June 1968, with a certificate from Arlington Baptist Seminary.
He married Sharon Lovell in June of 1962 in Cordell, Oklahoma. Together, they had 4 children, Rhonda Roberts (Krekeler), Regina Roberts (Sullivan), Joshua Roberts, John Roberts. They divorced in 1983. He later married Virginia Bright
(Winters),and was blessed to become the stepfather of her three sons, Jeff
Harlan, Brian Harlan, Bart Bright.
Billy was employed at General Motors in Arlington, Texas, for 33 years. While working for General Motors, Billy also worked as a minister at several churches around the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. Most recently, he pastored at Twin Oaks Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee, where he formed spiritual relationships with the members of the congregation. Billy began each morning reading the scripture; His primary goal was leading people to Christ. He also enjoyed gardening, carpentry, and bird watching. In the last months of his life, he enjoyed the fellowship of his fellow residents at the Goldton and was ready to meet the Lord. He was very loved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Billy Roberts is survived by his sister, Betty Duda of Michigan; daughters, Rhonda Krekeler (Dan) of Tennessee, Regina Sullivan (Perry) of Texas, sons Joshua Roberts of North Dakota, John Roberts (Amy) of Oklahoma, Brian Harlan (Cynthia) of Arizona, and Bart Bright (Jeana) of Texas. His beloved
grandchildren, Troy, Brandon, Ben, Casey, Jessica, Sam, Tim, Whitney, Colton,
Zoe, Richelle, Matthew, Nathan, Morgan, Aaron, Mackenzie, and Trinity. Great-
grandchildren Baylee, Brielle, Cheyenne, Celia, Lincoln, Arlo, and Luna.
He was preceded in death by Virginia Roberts, Jeff Harlan, and Mackenzie Bright.
The family wishes to recognize and thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice, the staff of The Goldton Assisted Living, and Station Hill Church. And to J.L. and Jean Williams, for all the many cups of coffee and good conversation.
Visitation will be held October 11th, 2025, from 10-11 am Doak-Howell Funeral
Home in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The Funeral service will begin at 11 followed by
burial at the gravesite at Simpson Cemetery in Rover, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude
Children’s Hospital and Mercy Ships Ministry.
