Wilbur James Roberts' Obituary
On Saturday, December 12, 2020, Wilbur James Roberts passed away at the age of 95. Born in Dallas on January 8, 1925, Wilbur lived a long life and is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Known as Bill, WJ or Willie to friends and colleagues, he graduated from Sunset High School and went on to earn an associate BA from North Texas Agricultural College and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist University. He also graduated with a Thesis of Distinction from Southern Graduate School of Banking. He enlisted in the United States Navy on January 3, 1943, three days shy of his 18th birthday. He spent four months at Cornell University being educated to become a Naval Officer and went on to travel everywhere from Philadelphia to Cuba for the Navy. At the age of 60, he retired with pay under the distinctive title of Commander. Wilbur boasted a successful career in banking and real estate. He was vice president of Mercantile National Bank for 11 years, and then partner at Crest Management Company. He ended his career in at the age of 61 after working as CFO and partner of Hank Dickerson and Company for 16 years.
As a 6”5 tall man, Wilbur seemed like giant to many, but those who knew him know he was the gentlest kind. He was quick to tell a good story of his and his wife’s many travels to Europe and throughout the United States, often aboard cruise ships with friends. He owned a condominium in South Padre Island and enjoyed spending time with his family there, as well as on trips showing off Naval ships throughout the United States (often taking over on ship tours, showing the young enlisted how it was done). He loved playing golf, and rarely missed watching a golf tournament on television. His greatest love, however, was his wife, who he married on May 14, 1949 at Highland Park Methodist Church. After 71 years of marriage, he still called her “honey” and “sweetheart” and said things like “isn’t she pretty” to anyone who met her.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur, his mother, Myrtle, and his son, Frank. He is survived by his wife, Norma, his son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Deborah, his daughter, Becky, his granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Jennifer and Drew, and two great-grandchildren, Campbell and Hudson.
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