Max Dickinson Roberts

Max Dickinson Roberts, age 89, a lifelong resident of McKenney, VA, passed away at his home on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Born on the family farm, Max was the son of the late Joseph W. and Pearl Dickinson Roberts. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joseph W. Roberts, Jr., and his sister, Dorothy Lee Baugh.

A graduate of Sunnyside High School, Max attended VPI before returning to take over the family farm. He served in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He also served on the Dinwiddie County Planning Commission for 12 years. He was a longtime member of the McKenney Ruritan Club, and a lifelong member of Concord Presbyterian Church. Max was the owner/operator of Roberts Farm Center for nearly 50 years. In addition, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and spend time on the water. A licensed Captain, he cherished time spent on the Eastern Shore and shared his joy of fishing, followed by seafood feasts, with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Cornelia Anne Batte Roberts; a daughter, Anne Roberts Howerton (Wayne); a son, Claiborne Batte Roberts (Jodi); grandchildren, Nicholas Howerton, Holly Johnson (Ethan), Carter Roberts, and Madison Roberts; great-grandchildren, Wesley Wayne Johnson, Charles Max Johnson, and a third boy on the way, as well as several nieces and nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great nieces. The family would like to recognize all the faithful caregivers who loved him like family over the past several years.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Concord Presbyterian Church, Rawlings, VA, followed by interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805.