James Patrick "Pat" Roberts, age 87, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Tuesday, March 6, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Margaret Ann Stallings Roberts.


He, affectionately known as Daddy Pat, was an avid hunter and fisherman, a true sportsman who believed in sharing his skills and his love of the outdoors with others. He mentored to many young people and always enjoyed the fellowship with friends and family during a hunt.
After serving in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II, Pat joined his father, H. G. Roberts, in the family business Roberts-Chevrolet. They owned the franchise for 69 years during which time he served as a director in the Tennessee Automotive Association. In 1970, he and his son-in-law acquired the Amoco Petroleum Jobbership, which later became Roberts-Gibson Inc. He served as Vice-President of the company until his death. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, and an active supporter of the community, serving as a past President of the Dyersburg Jayceess, a board member at First Tennessee Bank, and active in the Dyer County Fair Association. He was a supporter of the local Boy Scouts, NRA, Nation Wild Turkey Association, Delta Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited.


He is survived by four children: Jim Roberts of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; Jane Roberts Gibson and husband Larry; Betty Roberts Carraway and husband Richard; and Jerry Roberts and wife, Dianne, all of Dyersburg. He also considered former exchange student Sara Tolosa McElroy of Newbern as a daughter. Other survivors include his sister; Shirley Roberts Noble Shelley. He leaves nine grandchildren; Scott Gibson, Tim Gibson, Amy Gibson Gregson, Robert Carraway, Brad Carraway, David Roberts, John Roberts, Patrick McElroy, and Laura McElroy Petrie. Also, fifteen great grandchildren; Jack Gibson, Bridget Gibson, Kate Gibson, Hallie Gibson, Ava Gibson, Mattie Gregson, Jake Gregson, Patrick Carraway, Marshall Carraway, Graham Carraway, Bella Grace Carraway, Hannah Carraway, Chloe Carraway, Emily Grace Roberts, and Jacob Roberts.

Also, preceding him in death were his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Roberts; a brother, Joe Roberts; and a sister, Peggy Roberts Moore Murphree.

Visitation will be at the family home, Windy Hill 2511 Hwy. 51 South from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Fairview Cemetery conducted by Dr. David Russell. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Scott Gibson, Tim Gibson, Robert Carraway, Brad Carraway, John Roberts and Devon Gregson.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the charity of the donor's choice.