Roy Lee Roberts passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Duke University Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Victoria Lucille Duffy and five children, Michele Casey, Lisa Roberts (Paul), Troy Roberts (Jenny), Scott Roberts (Blair), Todd Roberts (Sara). In addition, he is survived by his brother Harold Roberts and sisters Brenda Starr and Joan Wimsatt. Roy, also known as “Poppy”, will be fondly remembered by his 14 grandchildren, Alex Casey, Graham Casey, Jacob Casey, Sydney Garcia, Addison Garcia, Devon Roberts, Lucas Roberts, Landon Roberts, Camden Roberts, LilliCate Roberts, Will Roberts, Madelyn Roberts, Kennedy Roberts and Jamison Roberts. Roy is predeceased by his parents, Ellen Ruth and Roy Gilbert and brother Larry Roberts.
Roy was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky on April 24, 1945. Even as a child working on a farm, he recognized the bosses on the farm had the most education, and he quickly decided that learning as much as possible would be his path.
He graduated from Brescia University with Bachelors of Science Degrees in Math and Physics, Minors in Theology, Economics, Logic and Philosophy. He went on to earn an MBA from Butler University. He furthered his education with professional development degrees from Northwestern University, Princeton University, the Wharton School of Business and IBM’s System Research Institute. Roy continued his strong belief of education through ongoing support of Brescia University and serving on the Board of Trustees.
He spent the majority of his career with the IBM Corporation from 1968 until 1993 when he left to start Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc. Roy firmly believed in APC’s vision of positively impacting people’s lives which lead to growing APC to over 700 professionals. In addition to running APC, he supported economic development training for the Lumbee and Cherokee Nations which led to the founding of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of North Carolina.
Roy’s values stemmed from a strong Christian faith, a hard work ethic and the importance of education. He was a founding parishioner of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Roy spent his free time traveling with his family all over the world but was happiest at home spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be forever remembered for his love, commitment and generosity.
The visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 7:00-9:00 PM at Mitchell Funeral Home 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 21, at 11:00 AM at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC followed by a graveside memorial service at Raleigh Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Roy Roberts Memorial Giving fund at Brescia University. https://brescia.weshareonline.org/