Charlie was born on June 28, 1937, to the late Charlie L. Roberts, Sr. and Oretha Burke Roberts of Columbus, GA. He was preceded in death by his sister; Mildred Ann (Mickie) Blackburn and brother-in-law; Robert (Bob) Blackburn of Martinez, GA, and brother; George Roberts of Durham, NC.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years; Judith (Judy) Carpenter Roberts of Columbus, GA, son; Charles Fredrick (Fred) Roberts of Columbus, GA, and daughter; April Roberts Zimmermann and son-in-law; George Robert (Rob) Zimmermann of Fair Play, SC. Grandchildren; Carson Elizabeth Turner and her spouse Joshua (Josh) Glen Turner of Hamilton, GA, and William (Will) Roberts Zimmermann of Athens, GA. Great-Grandson; Wynn Roberts Turner of Hamilton, GA. Sister-in-laws; Tina Roberts of Durham, NC, Patsy Jenkins of Columbus, GA, and Cheryl Searcy of Monticello, FL. Nieces; Betsy Thompson of Martinez, GA; Kamaron Garmon and her spouse; Brad Garmon of Toccoa, GA; Kim Holman and her spouse; Dale Holman of Panama City Beach, FL. Nephews: Robert Blackburn and his spouse Victoria (Vicki) Blackburn of Spring Hill, TN; Billy Roberts of Candler, NC; Stoney Thompson and his spouse Lisa Thompson of Southport, FL; Jason Thompson and his spouse Missie Thompson of Hazel, KY; and Kevin Taylor of Panama City Beach, FL. Uncle Charlie was beloved by his nieces and nephews and their extended families.
Charlie was a loving husband, devoted father, fantastic grandfather and overall wonderful family man. Additionally, he loved his career as a lifelong educator for the Muscogee County School District and the State of Georgia. His career began as a teacher/coach (football) at Columbus Junior High School. He worked at several schools throughout his 30 year career in Columbus to also include McIlhaney Junior High School, Northside Elementary School (now Allen Elementary) as Principal, and Arnold Junior High School (now Arnold Middle) as Principal. When he was promoted to Principal at Northside, he was the youngest Principal in Muscogee County at that time. He truly loved his students and teaching facility, and they all knew it.
He retired in 1992 after an inspirational (1990-91) school year as President of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). That’s when he expanded his mission and joined the PAGE Legislative Team. He worked closely with the governor, senators, and other members of the Georgia General Assembly. He was a strong advocate for Muscogee County and the Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA). In 2015, he was awarded the third annual “A Friend of the GREA”, an award that is given to an individual that provided support and service to the organization. His life’s passion was to make Muscogee County and the state of Georgia a better place for children to learn and teachers to teach. He stayed active as long as he possibly could and he certainly left his mark on the state of Georgia.
Charlie had several hobbies and interests. He loved to golf, fish, watch NASCAR races and PGA golf tournaments, go to the movies, shoot pool with his Grandson Will, and to take his Granddaughter Carson to the beach. As a graduate of Auburn University, he loved watching them play football and has been a devoted Falcon fan his whole life. He loved his wife Judy dearly and enjoyed traveling and going out to eat. He loved to sing in the First Baptist Church Choir and has been a member there since birth.
A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA, 31907. A private (close friends and family) funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church Chapel, 212 12th St, Columbus, GA 31901. A funeral procession to Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA, 31907, will take place after the funeral and he will be laid to rest in the mausoleum.
The family would like to personally thank caregivers Amber Shaft, Melissa Hargett, and all of his special friends at Terra Bella at Riverplace, The Landings, and Hospice for their care, companionship, and loyalty.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be sent to the Koart Academy of Music in Columbus in his Memory. Donations can be submitted online on the First Baptist Church website or mailed to First Baptist Church, P.O Box 828, Columbus, GA 31902.
