William Ray “Billy Ray” Roberson age 83 of Florence passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Visitation will be held on Monday August 1, 2016 from 10:00am till 11:30am at the First Presbyterian Church of Tuscumbia, Alabama. Memorial Services will be at 11:30am in the church with Dr. Randy Thompson officiating. Burial was at Florence City Cemetery.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theo Roberson and Pauline Roberson.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Douglass Bennett Roberson; his son William Ray Roberson Jr. and his wife Evelyn Beach Roberson and their children Amanda Kathryn Roberson and William Ray Roberson III of Montgomery, Alabama; his son Dr. Lee Douglass Roberson and his wife Jean Giering Roberson and their children Lee Douglass Roberson, Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Roberson of Mountain Brook, Alabama; sister Faye Roberson Lawson and her husband Robert Lawson of Aiken, South Carolina; sister Ruth Roberson Griffin and her husband Douglas Griffin; Sister-in-law Noel Bennett Perritt; Sister-in-law Dr. Ann Bennett; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Billy Ray was born in Decatur, Alabama. He attended Coffee High School where he graduated in 1951. He was a member of the 1950 Coffee High School state championship basketball team. He attended Auburn University on a baseball scholarship. His studies were interrupted as he served in the United States Army. The Korean War veteran returned to Auburn to finish his Bachelor of Science. He led the Tigers 1956 with the team record for runs, RBI’s, and stolen bases. After receiving his degree in Business, he signed a professional baseball contract with the Cleveland Indians. He and Douglass Bennett were married in 1957. He went into the insurance business after returning to Florence as an agent with State Farm, which he continued for 54 years.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tuscumbia. He was a founding member of Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club and winner of multiple club championships. The Past President of the Alabama Golf Association, a member of the Coffee High School Quarterback Club, the UNA Sportsman’s Club and the Auburn Alumni Association. He enjoyed the “Good Ole Boys” group comprised of many Coffee High School graduates.
Elkins Funeral Home of Florence would like to invite you to leave stories and condolences online at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com
