Charles L. Roberts

Charles L. Roberts (Cotton, Roy) age 76, of Knoxville, passed away on October 11, 2025, surrounded by his family He was born on February 4, 1949, in Morristown, TN to Sallie Buell Roberts and Robert (Bob) Newton Roberts. Charles, also known as Roy and "Cotton," grew up on a farm in Morristown. He graduated from Morristown High School (East) where he met the love of his life, Nancy Seal Roberts, his wife of 57 years. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church. Having a strong sense of God and country, he joined the U.S. Army serving from 1968 to 1970. Charles was awarded several commendations for bravery and heroism while serving in Vietnam. His military decorations include The Army Commendation Medal, three Bronze Star Medals, The National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. After graduating with a business degree from East Tennessee State University in 1974, he began 37-year career in the tire business. Early in his career his work ethic and business practices were best described by a Bridgestone executive recognizing Charles, "When Charles Roberts shakes your hand, you know it is a done deal." He retired from Hoosier Racing Tire Southeast which he co-owned with David Miller. After retiring from the tire business, he was co-owner of Magnolia Motor Speedway in Mississippi until he fully retired in 2021. Over the years, he participated in many sports, baseball, basketball, and golf. He enjoyed attending U.T. basketball and football games. However, his great love was being outdoors camping, hunting and fishing. After years of Charles, his brothers, brother-in-law and friends sleeping out in tents and campers, they built a cabin in the woods and spent many happy years hunting and fishing. Nothing pleased him more than having all his children and grandchildren at the cabin with him and Nancy, as well as his extended family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy Seal Roberts; children English Beth Roberts (Jack) Barker of Knoxville, Micca Rachel Roberts (Chris) Riedel of Orange, Texas; and Noel Melinda Roberts (Jeff) Smart of Knoxville; grandchildren Ashton (Jordan) White, Spencer Charles Moore, Lillian Riedel, Josephine Riedel, Payton White, and Jordan Noel White; sister Rachel Roberts (Doug) Smith of Oliver Springs; and his nephew and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sallie and Bob Roberts, his siblings Robert Mc Arthur (Mac) Roberts and Ray E. Roberts, and his special friends, Gene Still and David Burnette. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025, followed by the Celebration of Life at Rose Funeral & Cremation Broadway (1421 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN). Family and friends will gather at 12:45 pm, on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (5101 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville) for a 1:00 pm service with military honors presented by East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard and the Tennessee National Guard. Online obituary and guest register are available at www.rosefuneraltn.com.