Billy Henderson Roberts, age 88, died Friday June 10, 2016 at Testa Hospice House in Kings Mountain. Born in Cleveland County on June 2, 1928, he was the son of the late Henderson Lafayette Roberts and Bessie Randall Roberts Forbis. Billy was a lifelong member of Elizabeth Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and on various committees. He worked as a commercial flower grower for Gillatt's Greenhouses for 28 years and later worked for Bost Bakery for 11 years in the maintenance department. Billy raised Black Angus cows and was a member of the National and the NC Cattlemen Association, and the Studebaker Drivers Club. Billy enjoyed birdwatching, traveling, gardening and spending time with family and friends. In addition to his parents, Billy is preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Roberts Dodge; three brothers, Otha Roberts, Campbell Roberts, and Hoyle Roberts; and a sister, Mabel R. McGinnis.

Billy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Martin Roberts; a daughter, Mary Suzette Roberts of Shelby; grandson, Robert Martin Dodge; granddaughter, Rebecca Kathryn Dodge Bouldin and husband, James David Bouldin; great-grandson, Charles David Bouldin; son-in-law, Robert David Dodge and wife Sue; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Elizabeth Baptist Church with Dr. Rit Varriale and Rev. Clinton Padgett officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour before the service from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Memorials can be made to: Elizabeth Baptist Church, 301 N Post Rd, Shelby, NC 28152 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Roberts

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com