November 10, 2024, 78, Mount Olive —

Billie Ray Roberts, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, retired, and passed away early Sunday, November 10, 2024, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.  He was 78.

Roberts was a native of Jonesville, Virginia.  A true patriot having been born on Independence Day, he was set to enjoy a 20-year career with the United States Air Force, and following retirement, he, then was employed for another 32 years in civil service in its defense reutilization corridor.  

Loved ones who survive include three children and their spouses, Angela Jill R. Tyndall of Snow Hill, William Ray Roberts and Bonnie F. Roberts, of Oriental, and Steven Walter Roberts and Tina Roberts, of Dudley; four grandchildren, Ashley Strickland and husband, Justin, Alana Tyndall, Lindsay Roberts, and Anna Marie Roberts; two great-grandchildren, Jada Strickland and Kimber Howell; a sister and brother-in-law, Faye R. and Donnie Salyers of Coburn, Va.; a brother-in-law, Lacy McReynolds of Coburn; a sister-in-law, Linda Roberts of Lebanon, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by a dear friend, Phyllis Black of Jacksonville, who provided companionship and quiet devotion.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Ann Doby Roberts; his parents, William Lloyd Roberts and Mary Jane LaForce Roberts; a granddaughter, Megan Roberts; a son-in-law, Phil Tyndall; a brother, Hank Roberts; and a sister, Phyllis R. McReynolds.

The life of Mr. Billie Roberts will be remembered in a service to be held Friday, November 15, at 5:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive. Presiding will be Joy F. Best and military honors will be presented.  Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service. 

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial gifts be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or to the charity of one’s choosing.