Robert E. “R.E.” Roberts, Jr., 92, passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Hospice Cleveland County.  A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Robert Ernest and Margaret Borders Roberts.  He was also preceded in death by his son, Wayne Roberts; brothers, Guy, Gary, Morris and Billy; sisters, Jenny, Frances Kelly and Faye Miller.  Mr. Roberts was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church and served when needed.  He was an avid golfer and played in pro-ams across North Carolina with Pete Webb.  He was a pioneer in micro-midget racing and hobby stock dirt track racing in Western North Carolina.  Mr. Roberts was an avid water skier, teaching all the children and countless others to ski on weekend camping trips to Lake James.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, who knew him as “Pap”.  For every hour he was alive, R. E. lived two, making him 184 in R.E. years.

R.E. is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Chancey Roberts; three daughters, Yvonne Lewis, Jenny Moser and husband Gene, Gail Stamey and husband Bobby; son, Bob Roberts, III and wife Bede; grandchildren, Kimberly Lewis LaFave, Nicole Lewis-Keeber, Mary Lewis Scoville, Wendy Rogers, Michael Moser, Robert E. Roberts IV, Erin Roberts, Andy Roberts, Matt Roberts, Kent Stamey, Vance Stamey, Seth Stamey, Hayley Bean, Richie Roberts; 23 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Elizabeth Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The Rev. Clint Padgett and Rev. Cline Borders will be officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00pm prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are given to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

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