It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Larry Ray Roberts Sr., who entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 21st, 2026, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center after a short illness.
He was born June 16, 1938, and was the son of Ellis Roberts and Irene Roberts.
At 17 years old, he enlisted into the United States Navy and following his honorable service and many other adventures, he became a police officer in Charleston, South Carolina. There, he met and married Patsy Mae Blume and soon thereafter they moved to Statesboro, Georgia, where he embarked upon a career of being a produce manager at Big Star grocery stores.
Not being satisfied in his initial retirement, he began working for Walmart in the produce department in Charleston, South Carolina, and moved once again back to Statesboro, Georgia, where he became known as Mr. Walmart due to his friendly nature and outgoing boisterous personality. It was there while working as America's best people greeter that he showed his innate ability to connect with people, allowing them to feel seen, loved and welcomed. He had a love for people – especially children – and could always be found handing out candy, jokes and life advice. He would always look for ways to help others through whatever storms they were facing and would give of his time freely in service to others.
He loved deeply and was deeply loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him and be in his presence and his passing has left a void that can never be filled and a legacy that can never be forgotten.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Roberts; daughter-in-law, Wendy Turturro Roberts; brother, Jimmy Roberts; sister, Joy Roberts; brothers, Benny Roberts, Ed Roberts, Doug Roberts, Bobby Roberts, Patrick Roberts and Charles Turbeville.
Left behind to cherish his memories are his brother, Bill Roberts (Teddy Jo) of Arizona; daughter, Donna Martin of Atlanta; sons, Larry Ray Roberts Jr. and Charles William Roberts, both of Statesboro; and daughter, Casey Strickland (Mark), also of Statesboro. Also left behind to cherish his memories are his granddaughters, Jennifer Martin (Jimmy) and Amanda Wright (Rob), both of McDonough, Ga.; granddaughters, Cammie Roberts of Lafayette, Indiana; Ashleigh Roberts, his best buddy, Madison Roberts; and Hannah Strickland, all of Statesboro; his grandsons, Mike and Nicolas Turturro, Nathan Strickland and Leland Roberts, also of Statesboro; his great-grandsons, Julian Martin, Ryker and Gunner Wright, all of McDonough, Ga.; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his long and adventurous life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements: The Brice W. Herndon And Sons Funeral Homes And Crematory, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.
Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndon.com.
Statesboro Herald, September 25, 2026
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