William Roberts

William Roberts was born on July 1, 1939, in Parks, a village in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, to Mabel Minor and Antoine Roberts. He was affectionately given the name Dudu, which carried on through all the years with his family and close friends throughout his life.

Throughout his early years, he gave praise to his stepfather Stanley Zeno, for contributing to shaping his pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps work ethic, love for family, and tenacity for life, making him the strong will Man’s-Man fully committed to providing for his family.

William made his move from Lafayette at the age of seventeen to enlist himself in the United States Army, where he was stationed at the Fort Hood Base in Killeen, Texas. After serving and reaching the rank of Private First Class (E-3), he was honorably discharged and pursued his endeavors of interest in the logistics and transportation arena. He always attributed the Army for providing him with the enduring life essential skills which he incorporated into his professional life as well carried over to his personal life, being a man of integrity, with professionalism, a true leader for his family and others as he strived to live by the nine noble virtues as a proud Veteran. He aggressively pursued his interest in the rising opportunities within Houston’s primary growing logistics/transportation industry, where he held several positions over the years. Never being one to become dismayed by demanding work, he was soon noticed and hired by Yellow Freight Transportation, the largest and most prestigious freight transportation company in Houston at the time. During his stay at Yellow Freight Transportation, he received several nominations, awards, plaques, and certificates from the National Safety Council for outstanding service and safety. He remained employed with Yellow Freight Transportation for 36 years until he retired at 62.

Being a young, ambitious man with aspirations, William also knew the significance of having a quality and compatible partner to lay the foundation for his future. It was no surprise when he set his destination to Lafayette, Louisiana, to ask his childhood sweetheart and soulmate, the love of his life Vivian Castille Roberts to join him back in Houston as his wife. Undoubtedly, he was clear on where and to whom he would have by his side, sharing a similar mindset to achieve his initial vision. William epitomizes working hard, never waiver, and staying committed to family in the best of times and in the worst of times, as he diligently paved the way to provide and be the protector for his wife, children, grandchildren, and many he quietly supported privately. His union with Vivian lasted for 63 years through every imaginable challenge and tremendous losses; however, their commitment to each other never wavered.

Over the years, in William’s spare time, he enjoyed the simple life pleasures with family and friends camping, fishing, hunting, working in his garden, building birdhouses, watching old westerns, and sitting in his backyard with his custom-built outdoor mancave equipped with a full-size refrigerator for easy access to a cold beer.

A Grand Journey Ends

On June 3, 2023, William Roberts lost his battle to dual cancers after four years to finally be called home to be with our Lord and Savior.

William preceded in death by his Mother Mable Minor Davis, Paternal Fathers Antoine Roberts, Robert Benjamin, two Brothers Henry Zenon and Paul Zenon, beloved eldest Daughter Melonie Roberts-Allison, and youngest Son Mike Erich Roberts.

William leaves in God’s grace his memories and legacy to his wife Vivian Castille Roberts, daughter: Donna Roberts-Jackson, son: William Anthony Roberts (wife Cheretta), grandkids: Jeremy Joseph, Justin Joseph, Ariel Roberts and Kendal Roberts, Brothers: Hary Zenon, Stanley Zenon Jr., Joseph Davis, and Nicholas Benjamin, Sisters: Rose C. Charles, Rena Z. Bernard, Lucille Z. Johnson, Mary Louise Z. Alfred, Hilda Williams, and Evelyn A. Dauphine. Along with William’s family are his, brother-in-law’s, a host of niece and nephews, cousins along with longtime neighbors.