Eugene Dodd Roberts

Eugene Dodd (Gene) Roberts, beloved husband, father, and Pop Pop, 62, of Buchanan, Va., passed away on August 25, 2009, at his residence in Weems, Va., after a battle with liver cancer. Born on October 1, 1946, in Buchanan, Va., Gene was the son of Elbert "Pat" and Corrine (Ayers) Roberts. After graduating James River High School in 1964, he served in the United States Army for three years, spending one year in Vietnam. While in the Army, he met and married Mary Nell (Campbell) Roberts, his wife of 41 years. Gene spent his professional career working for Norfolk Southern Corporation, formerly Norfolk & Western Railway, in Roanoke for 32 years. After leaving Norfolk Southern, he began his second career as devoted Pop Pop, retiring to Weems to be near his three adoring grandchildren. Gene was a lover of all sports, both as a team player and as a coach. He was also an avid tennis player. While residing in Buchanan, he was a member of Virginia Presbyterian Church in Pico. Gene had a warm smile, a quick wit, and a generous heart. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Surviving relatives include his wife, Mary Nell (Campbell) Roberts; daughter and son-in-law, Robin (Roberts) and John Honnick, of Kilmarnock, Va.; son, Jon Roberts, of Buchanan; three grandchildren, Laura, James and Benjamin Honnick, of Kilmarnock; sister and brotherin-law, Geraldine (Roberts) and Buddy Hayth, of Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents. The Funeral Service will be conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2009, in the Buchanan Chapel of the Botetourt Funeral Home with the Reverend Marina Gopadze officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Buchanan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Suite A-102, Newport News, Va. 23606. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2009, at the Botetourt Funeral Home, 14920 Lee Highway, Buchanan, Va., 540-254-3000.