Uncle Ronnie was one of those unique people who touches your life forever.  I met Ronnie and Sherry in 1986 and I knew them for a little under a decade when I was dating and married to their nephew Bryan, spending Sundays, vacations, and holidays with the Roberts family--my family at the time.  They were so important in Bryan's life, that a visit to meet them was our second date!  Although I have actually only seen him a handful of times in the past 20 years Ronnie has had a profound impact on me and I loved him very much.  When I think of Ronnie-many words come to mind, husband, father, brother, uncle, friend...  Ronnie was many things to many people...

Husband:
As I understand it, Ronnie first met Sherry when he moved into her neighborhood as a young teenager and saw her washing a car in the driveway.  The rest, as they say, is history!. I can count on one hand the number of couples I know who truly (pardon the Jerry McGuire reference) complete each other like Ronnie and Sherry do.  She used to run and jump into his arms when he got home, wrapping her legs around him.  When he wanted a smooch from his bride, he would smooth out his mustache, smack his lips and lean down for his kiss.  The two lived their lives together singing in the choir, cooking, raising their girls, taking care of Granny (and anyone else who needed taking care of), entertaining, and so much more; it was obvious to anyone who saw them together that they were in love and meant everything to each other. They set a wonderful example of how to love your partner!

Father, brother, uncle:
Based on some of the stories he told, Ronnie did not have an easy childhood--he lost his mother when he was young, his family was scattered, and he went into foster care--but family meant everything to him.  As a teenager, he tracked down and reunited his siblings to live as a family which brought him to Smyrna, Georgia. 

Not only was Ronnie the best dad in every way to Shannon and Wendy (I can't even begin to describe the kind of father Ronnie was-that honor belongs to the girls who meant everything to him), he was the head of the entire family (the sun as my son Quint calls him). The Roberts' house was open to everyone.  There were so many people in and out of that house, they didn't even bother to lock the door--there was always someone there!  They hosted every holiday and provided temporary housing to any family members who needed a place to stay--and how many of us have ridden the waves created when he did cannon balls off the wall into the pool or had at least one vacation on Hilton Head courtesy of the Roberts!?  Ronnie and Sherry made a significant impact on children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, siblings, in-laws.  I really don't think it is overstating to say that they changed the courses of more than one life for the better!
 
Story teller:
Between his ability to tell a story and the amazing life he led, I always thought Ronnie should have written a book. Tales of Ronnie have stuck with me all of these years because, well, he was an amazing person!  Although Ronnie had heartbreaking and heartwarming stories making up the book of his life, I mainly remember laughing with him as he drank his Crown and Diet Coke and shared anecdotes about his childhood (living in a chicken house at one point!), his youth with Sherry and her family (you'll have to ask Sherry what her brother, Buddy,  chose to tell their father at the dinner table about the injuries Ronnie sustained in Vietnam), raising his daughters (when Sherry fell asleep in her rocker with Shannon, he took the sleeping infant from Sherry's arms so she could rest, but causing her to panic when she woke up and thought she had dropped her baby!), interacting with family (convincing Greg that the moon was NOT falling; riding all the way to Michigan (?) with Bryan in the backseat playing Planet Rock over and over and over--well, until Sherry snapped and jumped in the backseat to put an end to it; buying Granny's rag mags and wishing he were buying tampons because then at least the checkout girl would know they weren't for him!).

Here are a few of the stories I remember (I tried to be selective and appropriate! :-))--forgive me if I'm off on some of the fine points and details.  Also, although I've tried to do justice to these stories--they will be much better if you can imagine Ronnie telling them with his droll sense of humor and perfect timing.

*Due to dyslexia, less than optimal living situations, and gaps in his education due to frequent moves and school changes, Ronnie joined the marines at a very young age; his step-father had to give his permission in order for him to join...A lie about a haircut and his identity helped send him to Vietnam as soon as he turned 18.  It's my understanding that he was only there 3 months.

*When he was a stateside marine, Ronnie and some buddies somehow managed to catch a mattress on fire and ended up throwing it out the window because they couldn't put it out!

*He once told me that he initially only had one pair of pants when he was sent to Vietnam and in the time he was there the seat wore out so he had to walk around with his butt hanging out. (It just occurs to me that he might have been pulling my leg...?!)

*Once on patrol in Vietnam, Ronnie and the other soldiers beat down a circle in the tall grass because they decided that this would be a good time to break down and clean their guns!  They heard a thud (similar to a grenade hitting the ground), so they immediately duck and covered expecting an explosion.  When nothing happened, they looked around to discover rock monkeys throwing rocks at them to get them out of their territory!

*While riding his motorcycle one day, a woman cut Ronnie off causing him to lay down his bike.  His prosthetic leg went flying and his stump got scratched up and was bleeding.  The lady freaked out thinking the accident had caused his leg to be severed

*He repeatedly tried to pass a reading course so he could go to college; the instructor told him that his dyslexia would prevent him from ever being able to pass it (this is before the days of accommodations to level the playing field for people with learning disabilities), so he proceeded to go on and have a successful life without it!

*Ronnie went into the VA hospital to have his leg worked on (I don't remember the details of why), and when he came out his hand was killing him--because they had amputated his pinky...which was not what they were supposed to do!  (or at least not what they told him!)

*He went to aerobics once and the instructor told him if he had a bad knee, he should take it easy--he informed her that he did not, in fact, have a leg...her surprised response was that he should definitely take it easy then. 

*And of course, the story of how he was blown up, shot, then left for dead (I think for 3 days) on the field at age 18 before he was finally moved to a hospital boat.  In the years that I knew Ronnie, this was a story told very infrequently and was never the story that defined him.

Ronnie Roberts was an amazing individual who made a profound difference in so many lives, and although I'm extraordinarily sad that he is no longer part of this world, but I'm equally glad that I am one of the lucky people that got to know him and call him family.

Dear Daddy,
I wanted to thank you for being the best Daddy in the whole world! Thank you for all of your love and kindness. Now that we are grown, I realize how much you have sacrificed for us and always put us first. You have done such of great job to teach us the morals of life, respect others and how to have good characters of virtue and that will take us anywhere in life we wish to go.  You have taught us by example to be kind, nurturing, and thoughtful of others. Taught us grace and compromise, but to stand up for what we believe in. You lived everyday to show us how much you loved us and to take such good care of us.   
You and Mom have always shown us what the perfect marriage is like and that you love so unconditionally and made it look so very easy. Your legacy will live on through your grandchildren and all others who have ever known you, because you have touched all lives of everyone you met by your kindness. I wish we could all go back in time to savor the moments we shared together going to the lake on the boat all weekend, all of our awesome vacations together, our surprise drives to somewhere new or simply driving to church singing in the car! You have given us so many great memories.
You are now in heaven and can  see the rainbows and the beautiful earth as we do and are in GOD's hands now. I am at peace knowing I was able to tell you just how much I love, cherish and respect you. Thank you again for being everything that you are. Thank you and Mom for being such great mentors and my heroes! Now you are the entire family's legend to hold on to and remember you by as examples to all of us to live up to. I love you more than all the numbers in the world, except for zero!

Ron was always such an inspiration.   I can't  begin to count the number of visits to his house, but he always made everyone feel welcome and I always left feeling a little happier and brighter inside.  I wasn't part of his family but he always made me feel like I was.  I will be so proud to tell my children about him.

Dear Sherry, Wendy, Shannon and family, 
I have been fortunate in my life to know some truly great men, but I can't think of one that I respected and admired more than Ronnie. As he was to many others, he was my friend and I was blessed in my life to know him. I will miss him and look forward to joining up with him in the not too distant future. I pray that each of you will have joyful memories that will sustain you in the times when you miss him, and that each of you will know Ronnie's savior personally. 
With love
Bob Albee

My uncle Ronnie was an amazing man he was the pure example of what love truly is. He never turned anyone away that was in need of help. He was the gentle giant, the glue that held our family together. One of my favorite memories was when I was 7 years old I was Oh so scared of that diving board. He told me that if he could jump off it with one leg I could do anything. He taught me over and over until I got it down pat. I still think back to that time during the hard times in my life. He was the strongest man I've ever known. He was our family hero! He will forever be missed. Thanksgiving will forever be missing a part. I always thought it was the coolest thing that we both were Thanksgiving babies and shared birthdays!



My brother, how do I describe or explain you and what and who you are?
My brother is a disabled vet who lost one of his legs and sustained many shrapnel wounds from a grenade during the Vietnam era.  
I bring this up because this is not who my brother is. He did not let this define him. Instead he accepted it. I can go on for hours with different stories covering 
family and I'm sure most of you have numerous stories of your own that you can share. 
What I want to share is my brothers Heart. Yes my brother deeply loves his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, in-laws and out-laws.
But if he met YOU he would love you just as deeply. 
On many occasions at family functions Ronnie would bring in a stranger because they were down on their luck or had no one around and needed love.
As a family we accepted this. But Ronnie took it upon himself to really integrate that person into his family. He stayed in touch. His family became your family. Some of you here today are those no longer stranger family members. 
I bring this up because this is who My brother Ronnie is. This is my brothers heart, he loves his family and he loves you. His life was the best because of his family and you. 
So when you remember Ronnie remember what he did not carry into his life and what happened to him, but remember what he carried in his heart. He carried HIS love, God's love for everyone that came into his life.

I am so blessed to have known him.  He and Sherry are wonderful neighbors.  He has come to my rescue so many times with my old clunkers of vehicles.  Thank you so much, Mr. Roberts.

Whenever I walked through the door, no matter my age, Uncle Ronnie was the first face I looked for and unless someone stopped me, straight to him I was headed. His hugs made everything ok. He always made me feel safe. He was the piece of my father that I had missed and loved. If my family needed him, he was there; we never had to worry if he would show or could make it. We could always count on him and Aunt Sherry. He was the most selfless man I have ever known and he taught me more than he probably ever realized. I never saw him get angry, and the love he and Sherry shared was something I knew I wanted. Because of him, broken families stayed together. He was the glue. I will forever hold on to the memories and that infectious laugh. He was so special. The world was a better place for me to be in because he was here. He will forever be in my heart.

Ron was such a kind person and so much fun to be around. His laugh was unmistakable which I'm comforted to know that Wendy inherited. Trips to Hilton head lounging under the easy up on a sunny day at the beach, drinking a cold beverage, listening to him whistle like a song bird. Perfectly. Beautifully. I always thought he should be in a whistling contest. I just know he would've won! The memories I have of him are all of good times and laughter. He made a huge impact on my life in a positive way and I will forever be grateful that God allowed him to be in my life for all of these years. I love you Ron. ❤❤

I remember once Ronnie met a fellow veteran at the VA. He was a large tough as nails looking guy who happen to be crying. Ronnie asked him what was wrong? He said he struggled but couldn't find the pharmacy. Instead of directing him, Ronnie took him to the pharmacy. That the kinda guy Ronnie always was.
He never turned down a request for help from ANYONE.

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.

I have never met anyone who had the Light of God shine so brightly through them.  He showed everyone, by example, what it was like to do unselfishly for others.  I have often heard people talk about angels among us and I am certain Ronnie was one of those.

Mr. Roberts was one of the most generous, kind, loving men I have ever known. He didn't just treat me like one of Shannon or Wendy's friends, he treated me like one of his daughers. He always took us places, everywhere from White Water to Hilton Head and I will never forget his generosity and huge heart. He loved and spoiled his girls and especially pampered the love of his life. He and Mrs. Roberts are a truly amazing example of true love and a wonderful marriage. Only the best of memories and much love for him and his awesome family!

Only knew  him for a short while, but such an amazing  man, my heart  is with his wife and children, my prayers are with you.. may the Lord give you sweet peace at a time of  your loss.

Mr. Ron was a very good, kind, and strong man. This was never more apparent than when he talked about his family and friends.
His absence  will be felt by many for a long time. He always  treated me as family from the first-time I met the family. I never felt like an "in law ".  One of my favorite  memories is once I was visiting  during  father's day and we were all at thier house hanging around the swimming pool. Chris and Wendy had bought  him a bunch of different  cigars. He looked like he was in heaven. I remember  watching  the dynamic between Mrs. Sherry and the three of yall and found myself in awe. When Shannon came with the kids the vibe did not change or switch it just expanded. I thought  it was so humorous to see Mrs. Sherry holding a big stogie. Lol.  We sat at that table and laughed for most of that afternoon. Thinking  about it on the way home I remember thinking that with having people like that in my brother's life he just might finally  get that well over due break that life owed him. I have a pair of wonderful parents to thank for the memory  that I will continue  to cherish. I love you all very much.

A good man ,with a helping and giving heart ,he will be missed. RIP

I have many fond memories of Ronnie. Most of them are funny. I remember him climbing the retaining wall by the pool and doing cannonballs and making splashes so big we thought the pool would be empty, pranking newlyweds by routing their car horn to the brakes so every time they hit the breaks, the horn honked, and I remember when my dad broke his leg in a church softball game. Ronnie piled us all in his car to take us home while my dad went to the hospital and made up a story about frozen farts because he knew we were worried about our dad and wanted to make us laugh. I also remember telling him I was thirsty once and he said " Nice to meet you, Thirsty!"  We all thought he was cool because he was a Marine. And because he was really tall and played Goliath once. He had the best laugh. He was a great friend to my parents. He will be missed, but he's in heaven!

I am extremely happy to know and be a part of this family. Uncle Ronnie you were a very great man. Last time I saw you was way too long ago but you, along with everyone else in Georgia gave me memories I will hold on to and cherish forever. You constantly had a smile on your face, and your laugh brightened up the room. What made me so happy was when I would look at you from across the room and you could just see so much joy in your face as you looked at your family playing, and talking. Something that still makes me laugh to this day was the night Brooke wanted to have a little sleep over with me at Aunt Sherry and Uncle Ronnie's (where my Mom, Jeff, and I were staying for the week) and we were hanging out with Sherry and Ronnie, just us 4 when Aunt Sherry needed Uncle Ronnie to cut something off her arm. Aunt Sherry firmly said, "Ronnie do not cut me!" Uncle Ronnie just kept saying, "I won't cut you, I know what I'm doing." What did he do? He accidently cut her. After a minute we all just laughed about it. It's a memory I have with just them, I don't share it with everyone and I believe that is something special for me to have with them. That entire week with them I will never forget. Everyone was so loving and welcoming and brought my mom and I in as their very own and loved us every second since then. I'm extremely sad that I could not be there for a final goodbye but you will always be in my heart and in my memories. Rest in peace Uncle Ronnie. We love you so much.

Ron will be greatly missed by myself, as well as any of the other ROMEOs that had the honor of knowing Ron.

Enjoyed our latest get together last March, celebrating a 70th birthday party in Fla.  You were blessed with a loving family and gave back 100%.  You will be missed! Thank you for your service.

Mr. Roberts I have the honor of being friends with both of your daughters--I only know you through their stories, which have always been full of love for you and their mom. To Sherry, Shannon, and Wendy--my heart goes out to you as I know how incredibly lucky you were to have this man in your lives and how incredibly lucky he felt to have each of you in his.

OBITUARIO

Ronnie Lee Roberts

29 noviembre, 1950 – 15 agosto, 2016

Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery Winkenhofer Chapel

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