Bill Roberts

Bill M. Roberts, loving and caring husband, revered father, lifelong teacher, beloved family member and dedicated friend, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning, June 19 in Abilene, Texas, following a battle with bone marrow cancer. He was 79.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 22, from 5-7 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors (733 Butternut Street, Abilene). A private family graveside is planned on Thursday, June 23 before a Celebration of Life will begin the same day at 10:30 a.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors.

Roberts was born on August 10, 1942, to Robert and Stella Wilson Roberts in Hollis, Oklahoma. Roberts graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1960, and he married Donna Minor on March 23, 1967, in Abilene.

Roberts earned a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from Abilene Christian (1968). He worked at the Abilene Reporter-News before he taught journalism at Cisco Junior College from 1979-84. Following a short career with both Keebler and the Brownwood News , he began teaching high school until his retirement in 2008. He taught at Mabank High School, Anson High School, Olney High School, Spur High School, Center Point High School, Lake Dallas High School and Pecos High School. Roberts also worked at the Graham Leader (1993-95) and spent time substitute teaching after his retirement.

Roberts also served as a preacher, song leader, deacon and elder in several Churches of Christ in the various towns in which the family lived. Most recently, he and his wife worshipped at Woodlawn Church of Christ in Abilene.

Roberts loved his family, spending time chasing his children and grandchildren to their various events, baseball, baseball cards, reading, camping and honoring family members on social media.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Roberts and Stella Wilson Roberts; his in-laws, Joseph (Jim) Ralph and Dorothy Minor; a grandson, Steven Wayne Harvey; and six siblings:  Mildred Shepherd, J.W. Roberts, Mary Hayes, R.L. Roberts, Evie Clovis and Ann Hill.

Survivors include Donna of Abilene, his wife of 55 years; daughter Tami Roberts Harvey and husband, Jeff, of Olney; daughter Jami Roberts West and husband, Jason, of Snyder; and son Joey Roberts and wife, Leslye, of Abilene. His grandchildren include Justin Harvey and wife Kelly of Tahoka; Cody Harvey of Lubbock; Jaden and Jaxon West of Snyder; and Keaton and Kaylye Roberts of Abilene. He also has four great-grandchildren: Sydney, Jeffrey and Briggs Harvey and Kenadie Fillingim of Tahoka. Roberts is also survived by one sister, Bettye Blay.

Pallbearers are Justin Harvey, Cody Harvey, Jaden West, Jaxon West, Jeffrey Harvey, Keaton Roberts, Bill Cranfill, Mike Huddleston, Rick Starnes and Monte West.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Steven Harvey Memorial Scholarship, 1009 West Howard, Olney, Texas, 76374.