Aaron Anderson Roberts, Jr.

Aaron Anderson Roberts, Jr., 102, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2023. He was born on July 25, 1921, in Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Mary Tait Roberts. Also predeceasing him were his parents, Gray Green Roberts and Aaron Anderson Roberts, Sr.; and his siblings Mary Thweatt, Isabel Cochrane, Louis Roberts, Nancy Trout, Betty Martin, and Elizabeth Neal. 

"Andy" is survived by his children Downy Roberts-Gabay (Barry) of Richmond, Suzy Leger (Mike) of Powhatan, Jim Roberts (Kathleen) of Concord, NC, Cami Graham (David) of Richmond, and Paul Roberts (Amy) of Powhatan. His eleven grandchildren also survive him: Barry Gabay (Jen), Robert Gabay, Alan Duvall, Chris Duvall (Nina), Kevin Duvall, Alex Roberts, Sam Roberts (Ashley), Forrest Gill (Luke), Jack Graham, Eli Roberts, and Ian Roberts. Also, he is survived by his great-grandchildren James and Rad Gabay; Mason and Mia Duvall; Chip, Ginny, and Tait Gill; and Lilly and Tait Roberts, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Andy spent much of his life in Chester, Virginia. He attended Chester High School (now Thomas Dale High School) and graduated from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC. Immediately after graduating in 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy and was trained in aviation ordinance and gunnery. In 1943, he was deployed to Australia and New Guinea, traversing the Pacific on the USS Long Island, which was the first converted aircraft carrier. Besides the experience of contributing to the World War II effort, Andy found the journey to the exotic Pacific quite stunning for a young man who had been only in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

After the war ended, Andy returned to Chester, VA, where he married Mary Tait in 1950 ("the best decision I ever made") and together they raised their five children. Using his Navy mechanical training, he spent most of his career in sales of truck parts, ending his career with Crenshaw Equipment Company. His Navy experience also ignited a lifelong passion for airplanes. He maintained a private pilot's license for most of his life and owned several planes through his membership in flying clubs, as well as independently. 

A memorial service will by held at noon on Saturday, January 20, at Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Powhatan Food Pantry, 2500 Batterson Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139.