Howard Lee Roberts

Howard Lee Roberts, 65, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. He was born in Rogersville, Tennessee, on August 27, 1951 to the late Howard Young Roberts and Annie Jewel Roberts. Howard proudly spent his early years surrounded by family and friends in Robert E. Lee Apartments. As an adult, he delighted in reminiscing and celebrating the successes of his neighborhood friends, whom he considered to be brothers and sisters.

He attended Dobyns-Bennett High School, then served his country in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1980. Upon returning home, Howard graduated from Northeast State Community College. Feeling the urge to continue serving his country, he enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard. In 1990, Howard was called to active duty, serving in the Middle East during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He returned and worked for the United States Postal Service until retirement.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie Roberts.

Howard is survived by his son, Jason F. Roberts and wife, Amy, of Kingsport; four grandchildren, Zack Roberts, J.T. Roberts, Cameron Roberts, and Katie Roberts; sisters, Vonda Hager and husband, Wallace; Faye Frost and husband, Steve; Cynthia "Cookie" Willis and husband, David; and Beth Osborne; brothers, Frank "Jodie" Roberts; Larry Gordon and wife, Ginger; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday, November 27, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 4 pm with Rev. Wayne Baker, Rev. Leighton Roberts, and Brother Johnny Gordon officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Monday, November 28, at 1 pm at East Tennessee Cemetery with Military Rites provided by American Legion Posts #3/265. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Hamlett-Dobson at 12:15 pm to go in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dobyns-Bennett Quarterback Club, 1600 Legion Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664 or the Dobyns-Bennett Dramahawks Forensics Team, 1 Tribe Way, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664.

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