James R. "Bud" Roberts

Mr. James R. “Bud” Roberts, 97 passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018.  Funeral services are 11 A.M. Monday, October 29 at North Greenwood Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Phillips officiating.  Interment will be 2:30 P.M. at Mt Pisgah cemetery.  Visitation is from 9:30 until 11 in the church parlor. 

Bud was born in Carroll County to George P. and Ellie Montgomery Roberts. He graduated from Valley Hill High School and attended Aurora University, Aurora, IL. and Mississippi State College, Starkville, Ms.  He was a longtime resident of Greenwood, Ms and worked 45 years as plant manager for Farmers Supply Co Op at Rising Sun. 

 Mr. Roberts served his country in the US Army and was in the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion.  He was part of the fifth wave of troops which landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day.  His unit fired the first American shell on French soil.  He received numerous awards including the Purple Heart, Bronze Indian Arrow Head, and a certificate from the French Consulate.  He had many stories to tell and was always willing to allow students to enter his home to interview him about the war and his life.  He was humbled by the honor and respect he received from his family, friends and community.

He grew up as a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.  He spent most of his adult life as a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and treasurer for many years.  As a senior he moved his membership to North Greenwood Baptist Church to be able to worship alongside his grandchildren.  While at NGBC he served as a deacon and was a member of the LLL senior group. 

Bud was a member of the American Legion Post 29 and was a charter member of the honor guard for his post. He was also a Golden Age volunteer for over 22 years.

He had the awesome opportunity to be a part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight where he was honored as a WWII veteran with a trip to Washington D.C.  He loved life and enjoyed doing things for other people. He was an avid gardener and found great joy in planting, growing, and transplanting flowers to share with his friends and family.  But most of all, he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Ellie and George Roberts, a son, James Dale Roberts and two sisters, Wilma Roberts Clark and Marie Roberts Martin.

Mr. Roberts is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Duke Roberts, a daughter, LaDonna Roberts Moss (Ronnie), a granddaughter, April Moss Castle (Jamey) all of Greenwood, a grandson, Ronald Moss (Jenny) of Guntown, MS and 5 great grandchildren, Emma Layne Castle of Greenwood, Addie Sanders Moss of Guntown, MS, Thomas Dale Castle of Greenwood, Tripp Moss of Guntown and Ty Roberts Moss of Guntown, and several special nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Johnnie Martin, Andy Kilpatrick, Trey Hodges, Neal Duke, Paul Duke, Terry Duke, William Duke, Dillion Ussery, and Ronnie Wesley.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Rose, Billy McBunch, Billy Hopper, and Lee McBunch, members of American Legion Post 29 and former employees of Farmers Supply. 

The family wishes to thank his care givers, Iona Hansbrough, Sallie Winston, Marilyn Hale and Frances Rias. They would also like to thank the staff of Continue Care Home Health, Dr. William Jones, Dr. Syed Rafique, Dr. Rachael Faught, and Dr. Joe Pressler, Jr.

Memorials may be made to North Greenwood Baptist Church, American Legion c/o Gary McDonald, 618 N. Aubrey Cr., Greenwood, MS  38930, or the Mt Pisgah Cemetery Fund, 624 CR 256 Carrollton, MS  38917.

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