Carl Edward Roberts, 80, of Huntsville, passed away Monday, February 17 at his home. C.E., as he was known, was born in Knoxville on May 1, 1933.
Growing up in East Tennessee, C.E. did not consider engineering as a career choice until a high school aptitude test pointed him in that direction. He played baritone in the marching band at the University of Tennessee, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. He received a Master’s in Systems Engineering in 1969 from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Although completing the course requirements for his doctorate, he later regretted never writing the dissertation. He worked three years as a mechanical design engineer in 1958 in what was then the Missile Command, Test and Evaluation Directorate. He became chief of the Test Management Division in 1980, selected for Deputy Director in 1992, and became the Director of the Redstone Technical Test Center in 1998. He retired in 2005 after working 46 years on the Arsenal with the same organization.
In earlier years, he was the President of both the neighborhood pool and the Huntsville Swim Association. A long time swim supporter, he worked with city leaders to have the Natatorium built. In the 1970s, he was also instrumental in getting the Southeastern Regional AAU swimming championships back in Huntsville and also served as the meet’s director. His hobbies included painting, reading, listening to music, and spending time with his grandchildren and his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Edwards Roberts, Sr. and Madeline Roberts, as well as by his wife, Gladys Roberts. He is survived by daughters, Carla Gray of Birmingham and Marla Roberts of Huntsville; son, Chris Roberts (Betsy); seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
He loved his family and his job and was proud of his co-workers as well as the organization that he served.
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of North Alabama.
