Courtland Lee Roberts Jr.

Courtland Lee Roberts, Jr., 84, passed away Friday, May 3, 2013, in Tallahassee, FL.

Lee was a loving husband, caring father, proud grandfather, and friend to many woodworkers. He was born in Alexandria, VA, on July 18, 1928, and moved to Tallahassee in 1959. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School, Alexandria, VA, in 1945; the University of Maryland (BS) in 1949; the University of Kentucky (MA) in 1954; and George Peabody College (EdS) in 1960. He served in the Army with a rank of Sergeant First Class during the Korean War. He worked as a teacher in Fairfax County, VA, during 1949-50 and 1953-54; a principal in St. Johns County, FL, during 1955-1959; and an administrator in the Florida Department of Education during 1960-1993. He retired from the Department in May, 1993.

He was a member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, FL, for 53 years. He taught the Roy Rhodes Sunday School Class.

Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking. His woodworking included carving, turning, repairing and refinishing furniture, and tool collecting.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Courtland Lee Roberts, Sr. and Mollie Mayne Roberts.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Vena Southwood Roberts; daughters, Amelia Ann McNab (Thomas) and Shelley Jeanne Econom (John); son, Dr. Adrian Prentice Roberts (Adrian); and six grandchildren, Stephanie McNab, Court Roberts, Katlyn Econom, Josie Econom, Kendall Roberts, and Jack Econom. He is also survived by a brother, William Caleb Roberts (Faye), of Anderson, SC.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church (108 W. College Ave., Tallahassee, FL, 32301) on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 12:00 noon. Visitation will follow immediately afterwards at the First Baptist Church Welcome Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Here for Life" Campaign at First Baptist Church (108 W. College Ave., Tallahassee, FL, 32301); the Florida Baptist Children's Home (8415 Buck Lake Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32317); or the Boy Scouts of America.