Willard Vernon Roberts

Willard Vernon Roberts, 86, of Louisville passed peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He was born on August 5, 1939 in Pickshin, West Virginia, the son of Delbert and Gracie Roberts. He joined the Army right after high school and was a proud military veteran. He moved himself and his three sons to Louisville in 1975 and began work at Waste Management. He became a 32nd Degree Mason and married his wife of 40 years, Mary Roberts, on June 28, 1986. He retired from Waste Management in 2005 after 30 years and enjoyed spending time in his garage wood working and refinishing old furniture. He also loved to sing and play the guitar and many Saturday nights you could find him performing at The Grand American Music Hall in New Albany, Indiana. He had the most beautiful smile and was the kindest, most gentle person you could encounter. Even the most painful cancer couldn’t take his smile away. His wife Mary and three sons were the light of his life and we will cherish his memories and the moments we were so grateful to have had with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; Roy Lee, James, Billy, and Troy; two sisters; Libby and Judy; stepson David Bunner and David’s wife Clara. He is survived by his wife Mary; three sons; James (Renee), Grayson (Pamela), and Timmy (Ronda); five stepchildren; Barbara Parrish (Joseph), Geery Bunner (Laurie), Kenneth Bunner (Nama), Debbie Nelson (Eddie), and Donald Bunner; two grandchildren; Danielle, and James (Holly); two great grandchildren; Isaac and Leonardo; and his sister Darlene.

The family will receive friends at Newcomer Southwest in Valley Station on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 2 - 8pm. The funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 8pm.

Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.