John David (Johnny) Roberts, 82, of Gadsden, transitioned to glory Monday, February 22, 2021, while in his home surrounded by his children and beloved wife of 59 ½ years, Betty Chitwood Roberts. Visitation will be at Collier Butler on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm and funeral service at 3:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at Rainbow Memorial. The family welcomes all who loved Johnny and ask that everyone follow CDC guidelines.
Arrangements are under the direction of Collier-Butler Funeral Home.
Johnny was a part of the Butler High School class of 1959 and went on to play football at Perkinston Junior College in Mississippi. Johnny lived in Huntsville, Alabama where he served his community as a police officer before moving to Gadsden where he worked at Gulf States Steel for 32 years. After retirement from the Steel Plant, he enjoyed working at Gadsden State as a security guard. Johnny was known as a “gentle giant” by all who knew him. He led by simplicity and was hard-working no matter the task at hand, selfless, full of wit, and devoted to his family. In his younger days, Johnny was a reputable football player, avid water skier, and dearly loved dogs throughout his life. Next to his love for dogs and his family was his love for Alabama football.
Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Elzie and Jackie (Stanley) Roberts; grandparents, Ollie and Ethel Stanley; brother, Jimmy Roberts; mother and father-in-law, Irby and Cecil Chitwood; sister and brothers-in-law, Pat (John Wayne) Etchison, Bill Chitwood, and Mike Chitwood; and his best friend, his dog, Droopy.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Chitwood Roberts; children, Charie (Randy) Burnett, David (Candace) Roberts, and Missy Williams; grandchildren, Morgan (Josh) Gentry, Molly (Hunter) Bellew, John Tanner Williams (Payton Greeson), and Hannah Williams (Ethan Baker); great grandson, Hudson Gentry.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Encompass Hospice; especially, Kylie Turner, Karen Payne, Lori Hornsby, and Fred Whitt.
