Joe Willie Roby

Joe Roby of Oxnard passed away Aug. 28, 2010 at the age of 70.

He was born on Nov. 24, 1939 in Kosciusko, Miss., to the union of D.L. Roby and Mary Lee Roby. Joe grew up in Kosciusko, Miss., where he graduated from Lanier High School, Jackson, Miss. After graduation in 1957, he immediately joined the Navy at the age of 17. Joe was a proud SEABEE for 22 years. While serving in the Navy Joe served two tours in the Vietnam War. Joe was a member of NMCB 9 in 1958 through 1960 deployed in Alaska and Okinawa, NMCB 40 in 1960 deployed in Chu Lai Vietnam, NMCB 5 in 1970 through 1975 deployed in Guam, Vietnam (Danang and Dong Hoy), Okinawa and Nam Phong, Thailand, NMCB 3 in 1977 and 1978 deployed in Okinawa, Philippines and Japan. He was a member of Charlie Company in each of the battalions where he learned his skills at many different types of construction projects. He was stationed in Bermuda, Rhode Island, Great Lake, Ill., Japan and California where he retired as Chief Petty Officer E8 in 1979.

After military retirement, he worked for the City of Oxnard for a short period, and then was hired at the Ventura County Naval Base where he was still employed for 31 years as an engineering technician. Joe was a lifetime member of the Veteran Foreign Wars Post 3935. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the Navy Seabee Veteran's of America from Island X7 Port Hueneme, International Cultural Association of California, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #561 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #232.

Joe had a love and passion for music of all kinds, but the blues held a special place in his heart. Naturally, with his love of music, he enjoyed dancing and could sweep you off your feet on the dance floor. He and his wife Lupe enjoyed the many great functions at their favorite hangout, the Eagles. The many memories created at the Eagles will be cherished by his wife Lupe and his friends he made there.

Joe was an avid bowler, belonging to up to three leagues at one time, where he made many friends. He loved to fish and loved a good fishing trip with his friends. He loved to cook his favorite soul food and learned to master Mexican recipes that we all enjoyed. He loved making Gumbo and had great pleasure having family and friends over to enjoy eating it. We who knew him are blessed to have known him, and he will live in our hearts forever. He never met a stranger and always shared his ideas, thoughts and knowledge with all. He was always willing to help everyone in their times of need.

He was a quiet man, but everyone he met, he stole their hearts. The joy that he had in his heart was seeing the faces of those whom he had helped. He was never too busy and was quick to aid those in need, be it being stranded, fixing a car, fixing things around the house, and above all, never hesitated to help his family financially. He was a good provider. He inspired others to be a better person, and was a role model for many because of his generosity, his integrity, his strength, and his respect for others. He had a big influence in his children's and grandchildren's life who often expressed they wanted to emulate him. Joe was an extremely responsible, extraordinary man and lived his life well.

Joe was his mother's dedicated caregiver for over 10 years, making sure all her needs were met. Joe was united in matrimony with Frances Roby on July 19, 1966, and to this union two children, Carla C. Latimer and Joe W. Roby, Jr., were born. He divorced in 1988. Joe met his wife, the love of his life, Lupe Romero, at the Ventura County Naval Base. Before he met her he told his friends that he would marry her one day.

Between the two of them, they had 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Joe was preceded in death by his father, D.L. Roby. Joe is survived by his mother, Mary Lee Mosley; brother, Willie Ben Roby; sister, Lavelle Roby; half-brothers, Murry Roby (Vickie) of Rockford, Ill., L.C. Roby (Eloise) of Fallis, Miss.; and half-sister, Dorothy Roby Smith (Willis) of Fallis, Miss. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 22 years, Lupe Romero; daughter, Carla C. Latimer; son, Joe W. Roby, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Nicole; grandchildren, Joshua Latimer, Nichole Latimer, Kandice Roby, Taelor Roby, Brianna Davis, Jayden Roby; great-granddaughter, Skyla Fife; stepdaughter, Norma Lonvelin; stepsons, Steve Romero, Kelly Romero; step-grandchildren, Krystal Corona, Vanessa Corona, Kerry Lewis, Jr., Chantelle Lewis, Mia Lewis, Desiree Romero, Blake Romero, Isaiah Romero; and his very best, longtime military friend, Cornell Williams, and a host of family and friends.

Joe was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered for his kindness and his love of family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. We will not grieve for you as we know you are now in the Lord's house, where you will no longer have any pain. You are now a beautiful angel in Heaven joining your father, where we know that you will be watching us, and that brings us comfort. We will miss you forever, but we have faith that one day we will join you in our Lord's home.

A celebration of life is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1777 Statham Blvd., Oxnard, with Pastor B.A. Huggins officiating. To view and sign the online guestbook go to www.caminodelsolfuneralhome.com Camino del Sol, Funeral Home & Crematory, A Heritage Life Tribute Center, 200 North "C" St., Oxnard, is assisting the family with arrangements; 483-3443.