Thomas “Tom” Franklin Roberts, Jr., passed away peacefully at home with his wife Barbara at his side on Thursday, July 16th, 2015. This was the end to a five year struggle to recover from a traumatic brain injury he received in 2015, following a fall at home.

Tom lived a life filled with so many blessings. One of his greatest blessings was that he never knew he was sick during these past five years. He thought he was still playing golf and enjoying retirement! Growing up in Key West, Florida with his five brothers and one sister, he always enjoyed referring to himself as a “true conch”. One of his greatest joys in life was returning to Key West with his high school friends for one of their many reunions. He stayed in touch with his childhood friends Leo and Mitchell and loved them like they were his brothers. He left Key West for the University of Florida, then continued on to join the Air Force and became and air traffic controller in Detroit. He was a controller at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, then spent his civilian career as a controller in Miami. He moved his family from Miami to Cashiers and worked at several tennis clubs prior to moving to Franklin. In retirement Tom enjoyed tennis, golf and traveling with Barbara. Tom looked forward to his golfing days with the guys at Mill Creek Country Club. He spent many happy days on the course. He was a charter member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Franklin and attended faithfully until his injury; serving as an elder and on the Church Council, and singing in the choir. Tom always put his church and his Christian values high on his list of priorities.

Tom is survived by his wife Barbara who has constantly been at his side caring for him at home during his long illness. He is also survived by his former wife, Mary; three children, Lynn Jeff and Marcia; two step-daughters, Jennifer and Kim and their spouses; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; his brother, Ralph; many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Rachel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Franklin Roberts, Sr. and Emma Roberts of Key West; his daughter, Cheryl; brothers, Robert, Kermit, Charles and Bert and sister, Doris.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, July 19th at 4 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 38 Wayah Street, in Franklin, NC, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Robbinsville, NC, at the Bear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, which is Barbara’s childhood church, on Monday, July 20th, at 11 a.m. There will be a short service at the cemetery.

Anyone who wishes to give a memorial may send it to Resurrection Lutheran Church, PO Box 2215, Franklin, NC 28744 and mark it, “Tom Roberts Memorial Fund”.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com