John Andrew Roberts Jr.

John Andrew Roberts Jr., age 81, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Willow Park, Texas. He was born on July 25, 1942, in Navasota, Texas to John Andrew Roberts and Sue Jane (Wiseman) Roberts. Mostly due to his father’s influence, John had a lifelong love of cars, and building “hot-rods” in particular. One of his favorite hobbies during high school (much to his parents’ dismay), was sneaking off on Sunday afternoons to drag race at Green Valley Raceway. Many a trophy was brought home from the races and proudly displayed on a special shelf in his parents’ home. John graduated from Jacksboro High School in 1960. He then attended Tarleton State College and Weatherford Junior College. John made his home in Graham, Texas, where he was a mechanical supervisor for ARCO. In 1975, he transferred and worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline for two years. John was an expert, skilled mechanic and machinist of the highest caliber, and he loved solving unsolvable problems, building complex things, and working hard with his hands. His talent and reputation were widely known, and he was often called on by family, friends, and neighbors when things broke and needed to be fixed, and fixed right. John had a deep love for fishing and spent many hours, days and nights, at ponds, rivers and lakes across Texas. He often said, “The fish live in fear of my TX number.”, referring to his boat tag. John married Joye Richardson, his long-time fishing buddy on August 20, 1989. The decision was easy to move to Lake Fork where he not only enjoyed catching fish but also cooking and serving his catches to all guests. The welcome mat was always out and their fish fries are among the fondest memories of family and friends. During some visits, he often found the time to load everyone into the boat to “teach them to fish”. This was important, after all, he did need to restock the freezer for the next fish fry. When he was not teaching the grandkids and his nephew to fish, he created a golf course around the house and provided a golf cart. He loved to entertain and share. John truly had a servant’s heart, always finding time, energy, and resources to help and support others in every way he could. He was a mentor, teacher, role model, and good friend to so many who were blessed to have known him. His presence will be sorely missed in a world that could use many more just like him. John was a member of the Lake Fork Baptist Church for many years. He took great joy in working in the kitchen and providing meals for all. John is preceded in death by his parents and sister Linda Stalcup. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Joye Roberts; children, John A. Roberts III (Trey) and wife Sandy, Laura Taylor Rice and husband Thomas; Casey Self, grandchildren, Autumn and Pace Roberts, John Gavin Taylor; brother, James Roberts (Pete) and wife Carol; and nephew, Travis Roberts. Celebration of Life will be on June 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at Lake Fork Baptist Church in the family life center 9483 FM 515, Alba, TX 75410. John wished that any memorial tributes be made in the form of a charitable donation to your favorite charity or to the Lake Fork Baptist Church in his honor. .

John Andrew Roberts Jr.

July 25, 1942 - May 26, 2024