Emerson  Roberts

Obituary of Emerson Russell Roberts

Emerson Roberts, 100, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023 at The Legacy of Lexington.  He was born November 9, 1922 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late William C. Roberts, Sr. and Lillian Lee Roberts.  In addition to his parents, Emerson was predeceased by his siblings William C. “Billy” Roberts, Jr., Ronald Roberts, Elmer Lee Roberts, Melvin Roberts and Lillian “Betty” Roberts Campbell Kinard.

Mr. Roberts is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, June Roberts; daughter, Cindy Amick (Bruce); sons, Russell Roberts and Byron Roberts (Kelly); brother, Wylie “Buddy” A. Roberts; six grandchildren, Stephen Amick (Lauren), Bryce Amick (Savannah), Tyler Roberts, Zachary Roberts (Rachel), Casey Roberts, and Nicholas Roberts; and five great grandchildren, Emerson and Eli Amick, Anna Bryce Amick, and Reagan and Leighton Roberts.

Emerson graduated from Columbia High School and attended the University of South Carolina. He was a faithful member of Bethany Chapel in Columbia, South Carolina for over 50 years serving as the Treasurer for much of that time.  He was retired from the United States Postal Service where he worked for over 40 years. During his career, he served faithfully as Secretary of the Columbia Post Office Credit Union. Emerson served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a Radio Operator Machine Gunner in a B-17 bomber. He was shot down on his sixth mission to Leipzig, Germany on July 20, 1944. He was captured in occupied Holland, transferred to Dulag Luft and then to Stalag Luft IV. He was evacuated on a forced march in January 1945 and liberated May 2, 1945. Emerson received the European Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with OLC, and Ex-POW Medal. He was honorably discharged on October 29, 1945. Emerson was an avid and loyal University of South Carolina Gamecock fan attending countless football, baseball, and basketball games over the course of 70 years.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend and will be dearly missed by all.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29073 with burial to follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.  Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Bethany Chapel, 2917 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201 in Emerson’s honor.

Tuesday
2
May

Visitation

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington
4720 Augusta Road
Lexington, South Carolina, United States
803-996-1023
Wednesday
3
May

Funeral Service

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Thompson Funeral Home Chapel of Lexington
4720 Augusta Road
Lexington, South Carolina, United States
803-996-1023
Wednesday
3
May

Interment

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Fort Jackson National Cemetery
4170 Percival Road
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
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