Col. Carlton "Rob" ROBERSON US Army (Ret.)

ROBERSON, Col. Carlton "Rob" US Army (Ret.)

was born in Pelham, GA July 20, 1941 and died Aug. 10, 2015. He graduated from high school in Thomasville, GA and went on to get his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He served in the Army for 28 years, with two tours in Vietnam. He became a Parachutist, Army Ranger, and an Army Aviator where he flew Birddogs (OV-1) and Huey Helicopters. While on duty, he obtained a Master of Science Degree in Systems Management at the University of Southern California. He graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College, the Defense Program Management School, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He had numerous commands as a Captain, Major, Lt. Colonel, and Colonel and finally retired as the Simulation and War Games Director at U S Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in December 1991. His decorations included the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Bronze Star Medal (3), Defense Superior Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (5), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), and one Meritorious Unit Commendation. He continued work at USSOCOM for 10 years as the Department of Energy (DOE) Liaison to match DOE laboratory promising research with USSOCOM requirements. In May of 2000, Rob met the love of his life, Mary Jo Alford-Roberson at the World Woods Golf Course during a round of golf with the American Singles Golf Association, and the rest is a wonderful history. After retiring again in 2002, he turned to his lifelong joy of golf and his wife, best friend, and nurse when needed. Rob is survived by Mary Jo; his son, Frank Roberson and his children, Lilly and Jake Roberson; his daughter, Dawn and her children, Brandon and Mitchell Brown; and Julie and her children, Christopher and Chandler Vardaman and Jaxyn and Karys Wallace. Visitation will take place at Blount & Curry Chapel at 605 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, Aug. 18 at 5-7 pm. Funeral service will be Aug. 19 at 10 am at Blount & Curry Chapel with a Celebration of life immediately thereafter. Please no flowers. His Military Burial Service will be held at Florida National Cemetery at 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, Aug. 19 at 2 pm. Words of kindness may be posted on Blount & Currie's website at:

http://www.dignitymemorial.com/blount-curry-macdill-chap