Gerald Lynn Roberts

GALLATIN — Gerald Lynn Roberts, 81, passed away on Aug. 14, 2017, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Gerald was born on Jan. 12, 1936, in Dalton, Ga. to Earl and Sarah Elizabeth Roberts. He was a graduate of Karns High School and the University of Tennessee, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for 35 years as an engineer for Square D Company and retired in 2000 as District Sales Manager. Gerald married the love of his life, Phyllis Lee Roberts on May 21, 1960. They recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Gerald served in the U.S. Navy and was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church of Hixson and Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church where he served in various capacities of ministry. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as gardening, traveling, and attending estate sales. In his later years, one of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren play sports, and he was there to support each one. It has been said that an inheritance is what you leave someone, a legacy is what you leave IN someone. A life well lived, perhaps Gerald’s greatest legacy is the one he has left to his family: a legacy characterized by integrity, strength, and great faith in God. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Sarah Elizabeth Roberts; and siblings, Barbara Marlene Roberts, Norris Freeman Roberts, Doris Helen Partin, and Charlcie Virginia Shastid. Gerald is survived by his wife, Phyllis Lee Roberts; and children Brian Gerald Roberts, Jennifer Beth Roberts Teague (Rayvan), Laura Lynne Roberts Williams (Tate), and Richmond Lee Roberts (Missy); and grandchildren, Laurel Elizabeth Keller (Jake), Taylor David Teague, Barrett Holt Teague, Elizabeth Tate Williams, William Barrett Williams, Richmond Lee Roberts, and William Knox Roberts. Gerald is also survived by a brother, David Jerome Roberts (Jeanette) sister-in-law, Jackie Roberts and brother-in-law, James Partin; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Chapel at Long Hollow Baptist Church, 3031 Long Hollow Pike, Hendersonville, TN 37075 with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. at Hidden View at Lee Family Farm, 16868 Downey View Drive, Sale Creek, TN 37373. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or The Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com