Kenneth Warren Roberts

Kenneth Warren Roberts died on a gorgeous, sunny fall day in Williamsburg, Virginia, just as the clock struck noon on October 22, 2026. He was 86 years old. His family was nearby and he was listening to Willie Nelson, one of his favorite musicians.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sondra Lee Roberts, who he married on September 1, 1962; his two children, Greg Roberts of Charlottesville, VA and Christi Huling of Williamsburg, VA; three grandchildren, Carson, Cole, and Luke; and one great-granddaughter, Autumn.

Kenny was born on March 17, 1940, in Newport News, Virginia to Horace and Mary Roberts. He graduated from Newport News High School in 1958. A talented athlete, Kenny played point guard on three state championship basketball teams, one under Charles “Lefty” Driesell. A basketball scholarship took him to William & Mary, where he was a starter for the Tribe. His story of William & Mary’s 1960 defeat of #4 ranked West Virginia, which snapped their 56-game Southern Conference winning streak, will go down in family lore. Kenny’s lockdown defense in the game held the legendary Jerry West to a mere 42 points.

William and Mary is where he met the love of his life, Sondra Morrissey. Ken and Sandy were married on September 1, 1962, a few months after he graduated with a degree in Business. His early career meant frequent moves, and they lived in exotic locales like Staten Island, New York, and Evanston, Illinois. Eventually he and his young family settled in Centreville, Virginia, a place they would set roots and call home for three wonderful decades. In Centreville, Kenny enjoyed playing golf with his friends at Chantilly Country Club and coaching his children in soccer, basketball, and baseball in the newly formed Southwestern Youth Association (SYA).

Kenny found rest and relaxation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a favorite vacation spot since his family and friends began visiting in the early 1970’s. He enjoyed bonfires on the beach, crab feasts, climbing dunes, going to Oregon Inlet, and eating fish sandwiches at John’s on milepost 4. Kenny also loved walking on the beach and fishing from the surf. One year they caught 81 Spot in a single day, pulling them as fast as they could re-cast.

When running fever swept the country in the early 1980’s, Kenny caught it. He ran rain or shine for decades, participating in 10Ks and marathons. His favorites were the Peachtree Road Race and the Marine Corps Marathon. He also loved attending sporting events which included the: Atlanta Summer Olympics, MLB World Series, NBA Championship, ACC and NCAA basketball tournaments, and tailgates at Wake Forest and Clemson, where Greg and Christi went to college.

Later in life, Kenny and Sandy moved to Williamsburg to be near their college friends. They were diehard William & Mary supporters who went to games and events and hosted parties and dinners. In retirement, they traveled the world together, taking cruises and meeting new friends. One of their favorite trips was to Ireland where they kissed the Blarney Stone.

Kenny lived a full life, and his love and impact on others will stay with us long after he is gone. We look forward to feeling him in the soft breeze on a fall afternoon, in the warm sunshine of a spring day, and in the cool, wet grass beneath our feet.

We plan to celebrate Kenny’s life in Williamsburg after the new year. Details will be shared when available.

Instead of flowers, please do something kind for someone else, or donate to a cause close to your heart. Some of Kenny’s favorite charities were the Smithsonian Museum and National Zoo, Susan G. Koman Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Rest in peace, Kenny. We love you.