Ottis Leon Roberts

Ottis Leon Roberts, age 89, resident of the Somerville Community, former resident of West Memphis, Arkansas, retired Insurance Agent and husband of the late Beulah Vance Roberts died Monday morning, September 24, 2012 at the National Health Care Center in Somerville. He was 89 years of age and died following a brief illness.

Graveside Services of Remembrance for Mr. Roberts were conducted at 1 P.M. Wednesday, September 26th with Chaplain Wayne Prather of Bartlett officiating. Interment followed in the Lebanon Cemetery near Baldwyn, Mississippi. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Roberts was born January 9, 1923 in Dumas, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Carl Roberts and Mevel Ione Smith Roberts. He received his education in the Dumas Public School System and was a graduate of Pine Grove High School in Dumas. He was married for many years to Beulah Vance Roberts, who preceded him in death in 2007.

Mr. Roberts was a resident of West Memphis, Arkansas for many years before moving to Fayette County to be near his family five years ago. He was an insurance agent and owned and operated the Roberts Insurance Agency in West Memphis before his retirement 15 years ago. He was a Methodist throughout his life and was a devoted charter member of the Rosewood United Methodist Church in West Memphis, where he served in numerous positions of leadership.

He coached little league and Babe Ruth baseball in West Memphis during his children’s school years and will be remembered for his love of animals and his dedication to his family, church and community.

Mr. Roberts is survived by his daughter, Betty Roberts of Corydon, IN; three sons, Mike Roberts (Bobbie) of West Memphis, AR, Rick Roberts of West Memphis, AR, Steve Roberts (Linda) of Somerville; his sister, Billie Brown of New Albany, MS; his brother, Tommy Roberts of New Albany, MS; eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Casketbearers were family members and friends and the family requests that memorials be directed to any local area chapter of the Humane Society or to the Lebanon Cemetery Association, 255 Bethany Road, Baldwyn, MS 38824.