He was born June 10, 1924 in Mobile, AL and was the son of August Porter Roberts, Sr and Mamie Lee Busby Roberts.
Roberts was a 1941 graduate of Murphy High School. In December 1942, he joined the Naval Air Corp and saw duty in World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and other service related medals. A highlight of his post service activities was his participation in the Honor Flight to Washington, DC.
Following the war, Roberts graduated from The University of Alabama with a B.A. in Commerce and Business. He also studied voice and led singing in church and frequently led the residents of the Partlow School in the singing of hymns on Sunday afternoons.
On April 28, 1951, he married the love of his life, Janie Black Roberts, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. William H. Black, Sr. On April 28, 2018, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. They had three children; William Porter, David August and Martha Louise, seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
He was well known in music circles and was Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church for seventeen years .He also served Central Baptist Church as Interim Director. At one time he sang on the radio broadcast “Coffee with the Parson”, with the Mobile Male Chorus, the Mobile College (now University of Mobile) Chorus and with the Mobile Opera Guild Chorus.
Following graduation, he returned to work at the GM&O Railroad, then in August 1947, began work at International Paper Company. He retired in 1988 as Manager of Traffic and Transportation services. During his time there he served as a Loaned Executive, on the board of Keep Mobile Beautiful, Mobile Optimist Club and many other civic organizations.
Roberts will be remembered not only for his beautiful baritone voice but for his gracious personality and his great love for people. He sang for numerous weddings and funerals. He loved Alabama football (Roll Tide) and golf. Another highlight of his life was playing golf at the Augusta National Golf Club.
Roberts’ life was characterized by love and service. He was totally dedicated to his family, church, community and friends. He was greatly loved and will be remembered by all who knew him.
Special appreciation to Dr. Thomas McGee and staff, Covenant Health Care, Debra Wilson, Andrea McCovey and Sue Bruno.
Roberts was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Martha. He is survived by his wife Janie, sons William P. (Sandy), David A., both of Mobile, grandchildren Sarah Hilscher (Nick), Mark Roberts (Kristen), Lindsey Roberts, Jeff Elrod, Justin Litaker, Candace Headland (Anthony), Cole Litaker (Rachel), Craig Kaczmarek (Robin), thirteen great-grandchildren, four nieces and nephews and countless other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or to the W.H. Black Memorial at The University of Mobile Library.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Mobile, 806 Government Street on Friday, May 18th at 10 a.m. with funeral service to follow at noon. Interment will immediately follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens
