William Donald Roberts

William Donald Roberts, age 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather went to be with his lord and Savior on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Bill was born April 30, 1929, in Flint, MI to Beulah Lee Puckett and Ellis Wright Roberts, Sr. He graduated from Central HS in 1947. He served in the Naval Reserve 1947-51. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Maletic in Flint in 1952, and they made their home in Flint Township, and then Swartz Creek where they raised their six children. They happily celebrated their 71st anniversary June 28, this year. Bill completed a three-year apprenticeship at GMI for Fisher Body Plant #1. He was proud for completing 1 year at MSU (1951), loved MSU sports and cheering them on. He hired into Fisher Body, aka “Tank Plant” during the Korean War where he worked in Welder Maintenance for 35 years before retiring in 1984. 

Bill loved South Baptist Church and was always eager to serve or lend a hand. He enjoyed singing in the choir, praying, and teaching. He served on two mission trips to Nicaragua and Quebec; helping with church construction. He loved pheasant hunting and adored his dogs Spike and Butchie. He was a great sports competitor and enjoyed playing baseball, golf, bowling, and in later years, shuffleboard. He was a proud supporter of his grandchildren's, sporting events; often driving them in his favorite GM red truck, rarely missing a game. 

Bill was an avid Detroit Tiger fan. In early family years, he would load his family into the station wagon and head to Detroit to enjoy a game. In later years he loved watching and meeting players in Lakeland, Florida. There are many happy memories of summer cabins in Michigan, camping in the UP at Muskallonge Lake State Park, and traveling across the US visiting National Parks, and Disneyland. He built a cottage at Sugar Springs in Gladwin, MI where he enjoyed many hours of fishing and cherished time with his family. 

His greatest passion was building and working with wood. He built 5 family homes, additions, and decks. He gifted many wood projects to church, family and friends which included welcome centers, cupboards, benches and rocking horses for toddlers, bird houses, and whirligigs. After retirement, he spent endless hours carving birds and walking canes with his many wonderful friends at Tahitian Gardens’ woodshop in Holiday, FL. 

He is survived by his children: Karen Roberts of Dexter, William (Beth) Roberts Jr of Gaines, Pamela (Steve) Rademaker of Muskegon, Brian (Susan) Roberts of Ortonville, Kathleen Duval of Swartz Creek, Phillip Roberts of Fenton, and daughter-in-law, Laura Roberts Wagner of Grand Blanc. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and sister, Betty Lou (Dr. Pat) Miller of Florida. 
 
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Beulah Lee Puckett; father, Ellis Wright Roberts Sr.; Siblings Edna (Douglas) Fraser, Ellis (Frances) Roberts Jr, Carl (Shirley) Roberts. Many thanks to our 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren for bringing joy into his life.

A graveside service will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Flint. Please meet the family at the mausoleum and chapel, located by the Pasadena Ave Entrance. Pastor Larry Burk will preside. Arrangements were entrusted to Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice of Swartz Creek, especially Kristine, for your many days of care and service to our father and family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice or Carriage Town Ministries. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com