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William Roberts Obituary
Anderson
Mr. William M. Roberts was born in Nashville, TN. To the late Albert and Susie Roberts. He was a member of Thompson Centennial United Methodist Church.
He graduated from Pearl High School, received his B.A. Degree from Fisk University, his Masters Degree from Tennessee AandI State University in Nashville, TN. He served and was honorably discharged from the United States Army.
In 1951, William accepted a position at Westside High School and served as Teacher/Coach for forty-seven years. During his tenure, he amassed 1,193 Victories including thirteen State Championships.
He is survived by his wife Linda Burriss Roberts, his sons, Terence Victor, William Todd, Albert McKinley and Kory Glennis(Jackie); seven Grandchildren; Tera Victoria, Terence Jr., Brandon McKinley, Bryce Albert, Kory, Jr., Kelsey Yvette and Jala Denise Roberts.
He is also survived by a sister, Helen Long of Lexington, N. C., as well as several nieces, nephews and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his brothers George Albert, Carl Glennis, James Edward, Sr.; his sisters, Odessa Jefferies and LaPearle Philyaw.
He was Loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 12 noon, at First Baptist Church, Anderson. Burial will be at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery.
Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Roberts
Elijah Justice
April 7, 2023
Rest in power!
February 27, 2014
Hello Linda, May you find peace and comfort at the loss of your husband knowing how much Coach Roberts brought to the community
of Anderson and sports for young people.
Bernice Green Otudeko
Mountain View, Calif
February 9, 2014
Linda and Family,
May the arms that welcome your Loved One into Heaven be the same arms that hold your heart with your loss.
Thinking and praying for you and your family.
Fleda R. Little-Peachtree City, Georgia.
February 5, 2014
Prayers of support for the entire family. Ron & Susan Haskell
Ken Schucht
February 4, 2014
I want the Roberts family to know how sorry I am to hear of the passing of Coach Roberts. I met Coach Roberts while visiting Tom and Kay Herbster in the 1990's. William M. Roberts touched many lives....how many we will never know but I was one of those touched! Rest in peace William M. Roberts.
Ken Schucht
Lewistown, Pa.
Talmadge Gray
February 2, 2014
Mrs. Roberts and family:
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and our legend. God placed him on this earth to influence and to lead in a positive manner. I'm sure God said: Well done, My good and faithful servant, well done!
I'm sorry that I was unable to attend the service--but I remain a phone call (864-288-2742) away if you ever need me!
Coach Talmadge Gray, HHS
Dr. Shawn N. (McMullin) Rivers
February 1, 2014
Coach Roberts was so dedicated to every child that crossed his path. He told me my sophomore year at Westside I needed to find something else to do because I would not be playing basketball for him. Thanks to him I went on to discover my lifelong love of the dramatic arts. Every semester I share that encounter with my own students so they can have permission to find what their true talents are as well. Coach Roberts' influence still impacts many lives because those us of who had the pleasure of knowing him are passing it on to others.
Colette Robinson Davis
February 1, 2014
Thank you for being an inspiration in our lives. We know that you are smiling as you have received the ultimate victory. What a legacy, Coach!
January 31, 2014
Dear Linda and family, I was so sorry to hear of COACH Roberts death , he was my math teacher at the old Westside High School.May God bless you and Family. your classmate ,class of 1953. Barbara Cox Glover . Orangeburg,SC
January 31, 2014
As a fresh new coach at Westside in the 1970's... Coach Robert's support and advice proved to be the difference in failure and success. Am proud I had the chance to know him. A great man...and there are not many.
My thoughts and prayers to his great family.Know he is proud.
Hal Shirley
Marcia (Ripley) Carson
January 31, 2014
Words can't express how much Coach Roberts touch everyone's lives!! With all the encouragement he gave each and everyone, and the love he gave us is what molded us to be where we are today!! Mrs. Roberts prayers and strength will be with you and your family...
Julie Mullikin Beard
January 31, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We love the Roberts family.
With love & prayers,
Doug, Julie, Hayley & Bryson
Whit McNeill
January 30, 2014
Thanks to Coach Roberts for an amazing life, and your amazing gifts to us all. My prayers and love go out to the Roberts family at this time. You all are very loved and I miss Anderson and you guys so much. God bless you. Love ya, Coach!
Tara Hawthorne
January 30, 2014
My heartfelt prayers are with the Roberts.
Kimberly Cade
January 30, 2014
May the peace of God be strength for your family today and always.
Pamala McDowell-Morgan
January 30, 2014
You were and always will Be A GREAT COACH!
Toni Clinkscales
January 30, 2014
RIP! Coach Roberts you will be greatly missed. Mrs. Roberts and family sorry for your loss God Bless you all
Thomas Carter
January 30, 2014
It certainly was a blessing to have had a man such as Coach Roberts in my life while at Westside High School. Thanks 'Coach' and may you rest in peace!
January 30, 2014
Coach Robert was an inspiration and blessing our family. Our prayers are with the Robert family.
The Ford Family
Louisa Lee
January 30, 2014
May Gods GREAT GRACE overshadow you all during this time.
teresa slaughter
January 30, 2014
REST IN PEACE COACH ROBERTS
James Williams
January 30, 2014
RIP Coach Roberts.
TONY WATON
January 30, 2014
BOTH OF MY MENTORS ARE IN HEAVEN NOW. RIP COACH ROBERTS AND COACH MOORE!!
Thelma Hagood/Cummings
January 30, 2014
My prayers go out to the Roberts Family. He was truly a great man and coach who was loved by many. He will truly be missed.
He was a great inspiration in my life.
Because of him,I became an avid sportsperson, not only in basketball,but in all sports.
Cedric and Lesia Patterson
January 30, 2014
Roberts Family,
Our sincere sympathy is extended to each of you during this difficult time. Our family will always appreciate the time and wisdom of Coach William Roberts.
Our daughter, Celesia, learned to realize her talent for basketball through his words of instruction and encouragement.
May God's love and loving memories of Coach Roberts comfort you during this time.
Frederica Jeffries
January 30, 2014
My prayers and condolence goes out to the Roberts's family. All former athletics that were taught by Coach, hearts are sadden on this day. You will be missed, but never forgotten!
Frederica
Tyrone Jackson
January 30, 2014
Coach, I love you and greatly appreciate all you did for me. May God continue to bless your family.
Stacey Ford
January 30, 2014
Coach Roberts was a great man. He touched the lives of so many people. My life is a testament of his work here on earth.I will keep the Roberts family in my prayers.
Steve Lytton
January 30, 2014
One of those coaches that taught more than basketball, he taught life-long lessons. I am thankful I had a chance to know him as a Coach and as a man. Coach made the world a better place through his efforts as a coach and his legacy will be preserved through his family and those that had a chance to play for him.
Denise Hunter
January 30, 2014
To the Roberts Family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Polita Garvin
January 30, 2014
Extending my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Roberts family (esp.…Kory/Todd).
May God keep you and comfort you!
Clifton Hall, Jr.
January 30, 2014
1 Corinthians 15
50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
***Amen***
Thank you Father God in the name of Christ for Coach Roberts and his legacy. He has now gained the ultimate championship.
Carlos Wright
January 30, 2014
RIP, Coach. You will truly be missed. I thank you for all that you did to make me a better man. My prayers go out to the Roberts family.
Tonya Cox Dial
January 30, 2014
RIP Coach Roberts!
Wardell Sims
January 30, 2014
RIP Coach Roberts... The legacy you left will live for generations to come...
Thanks for the fond memories!
Tyrene Gibert
January 30, 2014
Praying for your family! A wonderful man and coach!
Jerry Webb
January 30, 2014
May God Bless
And Keep The Roberts Family
Rufus Gambrell
January 29, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
January 29, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Cheryl Webb-Simmons
January 29, 2014
Another Great Ram called to coach another winning team in heaven. We all loved Coach Roberts or Mr Tac or whatever name he was called because he served many roles like father figure, teacher, mentor, church member and the list goes on. Rest in peace because your work on earth is done. Tell all hello up there because I'm sure there's a celebration going on. We love you Roberts family and pray that God gives you the strength to endure.
Christie D. Payne
January 29, 2014
I didn't have the opportunity to know Coach Roberts personally. However, I have listened to numerous coaching stories about him through the years, told by my father and grandfather. Many of which we continue to hear over and over and over at Drennon family gatherings. Stories so inspiring they'll never grow old or be forgotten. Indeed, Coach Roberts leaves a legacy behind that has eternal impact for generations to come.
Keeping your entire family close in our thoughts and prayers. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Mayor Harold Thompson
January 29, 2014
What a blessed life no doubt lived by a great man.May the lord bless and keep the family, may he crown all your good intentions with success
LaThell Robinson
January 29, 2014
Dear Roberts Family, My prayers go out to you today and always. My God continue to bless you and put his shield of protection around your family. Keep your head up Kory....love you man!LaThell Robinson
January 29, 2014
Coach and Mrs. Roberts have been a blessing to Anderson SC and to all who knew them.
Teresa Whitfield Class of 1980
Tim McDowell
January 29, 2014
Thanks to Coach Roberts for being a positive influence and mentor in my life. My sincere prayers are with the family.
Eboni Williams
January 29, 2014
Coach Rob, you will be greatly missed, I can remember you taking me home after track and basketball practice, you were like a grandfather to me, RIP much love and condolences to the Roberts family.
Mike Reeves
January 29, 2014
Coach Roberts touched so many people and shaped so many lives during his 47 years at Westside. He was more than a great Coach, he was the person we all strived to be. There will always be a little bit of Coach Roberts in those of us who had the privilege of spending time with him, being coached by him, learning from him, being challenged by him....Thank you Coach Roberts for being my Teacher and my Coach !! Westside Class of 1975.
Telisha Tucker
January 29, 2014
I DON'T KNOW COACH WILLIAM ROBERTS BUT MY MOM CORNELIA TUCKER (TATE) KNW HIM AND LINDA. WE SORRY YOUR LOSS WILLIAM ROBERTS. WE PRAY OF TERENCE ROBERT AND LINDA ROBERTS FAMILY. U STAY STRONG YOUR HEART FROM GOD. CORNEILA AND TELISHA TUCKER.
Angela Young
January 29, 2014
Sorry for your lost great man and no one will be able to fill his shoes. Just think he's in heaven coaching.And thanks coach for the wonderful sons you and Mrs Roberts raised. God Bless
Elise Gorman
January 29, 2014
To the Roberts family, I offer my sympathy and prayers to you at this time of sadness.
Gwen Bradley (Mcdowell)
January 29, 2014
I am sorry for yours. Coach Roberts was a father figure and a friend to me in school. He will be truly missed.
F. Catherine Lee
January 29, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 29, 2014
Dear Roberts Family,
To you and yours in sympathy, a message just to say that many warm and hearfelt thoughts are there with you during this time of breavement.
James C. Porterfield, Toledo, OH
WSHigh, Class of 1961
Derrell, Jill & Drake Kinley
January 29, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Angie Harrison
January 29, 2014
Coach Roberts was a great man and will be missed by all. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
January 29, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Reno Brock
January 29, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts are with Roberts' family.
Reno T. Brock and Family
Waymon Whitfield
January 29, 2014
Thinking of you during your time of great loss. Coach Roberts will be remembered as a great man and the influence he had on the lives that he touch on this life journey.
Thank you lord for sharing him with us.
The Whitfield's
Betty O'String
January 29, 2014
Our loss, Heaven's gain. What a wonderful man and only God knows how many he helped while traveling through his life here on earth.
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty O'String
Anderson, SC
Walter Washington
January 29, 2014
We have lost a treasure, a true GIANT. He was a teacher, mentor and role model. He taught boys, including me, how to become men. He taught all of us to respect each other. I will greatly miss, but always remember, him. Condolence and love to the family.
Isom Bobby
January 29, 2014
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Ken Bradshaw
January 29, 2014
Coach, you meant so much to me as a student/athlete and later as a teacher/coach. Your influence on my life will always be remembered and appreciated.
Deborah Galloway & Family
January 29, 2014
You are in our prayers. To walk a mile in Coach Roberts shoes will be hard to fill. He has touch so many lives and push many others to better lives. A great man with nothing but positive encouragements. Well missed.
Bobby Isom
January 29, 2014
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Ronald Johnson
January 29, 2014
Never was able to thank "Coach" for those stern talks about life, which helped shape me and many other young men at Westside. So, thank you "Coach" and my you rest in peace.
Billy Dillard
January 29, 2014
A fine man! A great friend and a wonderful family! Will be missed by all! Margaret and Billy Dillard
butch hopkins
January 29, 2014
Anderson has lost a great man. Proud to call him friend.
Carol Martin
January 29, 2014
Uncle William you will be missed so much. You have been such an inspiration to the students you've touched and the family you've loved. We love you!!
Anna Reeves
January 29, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Coach Roberts passing. We knew him through our sons who were students of his when they attended Westside High School. He was very much loved and respected by our sons. And because of Coach Roberts, they learned good values. My husband and I feel privileged to have known him.
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