FRANKLIN – John Gerald Roberts, age 83, of Franklin, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2016. He was born in Tampa, Fla., the son of the late John Wesley and Ruby Ann Wetherington Roberts. He was a graduate from Florida State University, and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. He attended Holly Springs Baptist Church and loved football and politics. Roberts was a political science professor at Western Carolina University from 1985-95.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pauline Roberts; two daughters, Karen Roberts of Franklin and Joy Roberts Brooks of Cherokee; grandchildren, Melody Copeland, Rachel Rowe, Bobby Brooks and Dean Roberts; great‑grandchildren, James Lee Copeland, Rajia Ray Roberts, Michael Blakeley, Sid Rowe and Karma Beaver.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 28 at 2pm in the Chapel of Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.
Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Roberts family. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.