Rhubert Blake Roberson, Sr
Rhubert Blake Roberson, Sr., 93, of Pikeville died on April 9, 2013. A veteran of the United States Army, he served his country during WWII and saw active duty in England, France, and Germany. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, playing harmonica and fiddle, and operating his ham radio, which he used to speak to people throughout the world.
He and his wife, Mary Gene, shared a passion for Bledsoe County athletics. Blake was a member of the Quarterback Club and volunteered his services by carrying the chain for home football games. As a young man, he worked for his grandfather, Roy Dallas Roberson, Sr., operating a rolling store and a grocery store in College Station. He began working at the Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative in 1953 and worked there until he retired as plant superintendent in 1988.
Blake was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Cole and Drucilla (Boyd) Roberson; two infant daughters, Donna and Donnis; a great-grandchild, Jacob Alley; six brothers, Carlos Pope, J.B., Gross, Roy C., Jack, and Lewis; and one sister, Linda Case.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Gene Roberson; three sons, Dallas (Deborah) Roberson, Dale Roberson, and Blake (Rosemary) Roberson, Jr.; a daughter, Dr. Marilyn Elkins; two brothers, Frank Roberson and Tommy (Susie) Roberson; five grandchildren, Laural (Richard) Alley, Kelly (Ben) Reese, Dylan (Erica) Roberson, Phillip Roberson, and Anna (Davis) Manning; eight great-grandchildren, Evan, Sarah, and Madilyn Alley, Mary Blake and McLaine Reese, Ambrin and Ransom Roberson, and Davis Burns Manning; several nieces and nephews; his caretaker, Lorene Camp; and many special friends.
A celebration of Blake’s life was held in the funeral home chapel on April 13. Burial was in the Roberson Family Cemetery. Full military honors were conducted by the American Legion Post 66 and VFW Post 5033. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the BCHS Athletic Fund through Citizens Tri-County Bank in Pikeville.
Arrangements were entrusted to Pikeville Funeral Home in Pikeville.
