Lt. Col. Ronald "Ron" Jack Roberts (Ret.)

Lt. Col. Ronald Jack Roberts (Retired) slipped the surly bonds of Earth on April 12, 2024, entering the gentle embrace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ following a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and lifted along with him the love and adoration of his children and grandchildren, and many friendships formed over the years.

Ron entered the world on November 4, 1946, in Oakland, California to Jack Legrande Roberts and wife Jean Drury Roberts. He was a smart and curious child, traits which would later become sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor enjoyed by friends and family. Ron spent his formative years living in New Jersey and Massachusetts while his father was employed with Westinghouse (later AT&T). He attended Bethany College, graduating in 1968. Ron had a brief career in business before joining the United States Air Force in 1969 and earned his wings on September 12, 1970. He trained as a fighter pilot and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War, receiving multiple decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross. “R2” retired from the Air Force in 1991, after which he was a commercial pilot for a few years before starting his own business building luxury homes in Destin, an endeavor which he enjoyed for many years. He was active in his community; he coached youth soccer and softball.

While career was important to Ron, family was more so. He had three children: Dillon and Ryan from his first marriage to Mayrita, and Elizabeth with his second wife Sandy, with whom he enjoyed a 37-year marriage. Ron was a good father and devoted husband, and absolutely excelled at being a grandfather; time spent with his grandchildren was precious to him. His four grandchildren will undoubtedly miss their doting Poppy who was as quick with a smile or a hug as he was with a sweet treat to make the day better.

Ron is survived by his sons Dillon L. Roberts (Sarabeth) and Ryan C. Roberts (Annie) and daughter Elizabeth R. Kelly (Tony), grandchildren Ellis L. Roberts, Wyatt J. Kelly, Emmett S. Roberts, and Reilly O. J. Roberts. Ron was preceded in death by parents Jack and Jean Roberts, and wife Sandra.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida or another children’s charity.

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