W. "SONNY" ALLEN ROBERSON

WALTER ALLEN "SONNY" ROBERSON, longtime resident of the Somerville Community, retired business owner and United States Veteran died Thursday, February 26, 2009 at the National Healthcare Center in Somerville. He was 75 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Funeral Services with Military Honors were conducted for Mr. Roberson at 3:30 P.M. Sunday, March 1st at the Liberty Baptist Church near Laconia where he was a member. The officiating Minister was Dr. Paul Barkley of Memphis, former Pastor of the church. Interment followed in the Liberty Cemetery at Laconia. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Home-Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Roberson was born in Fayette County on August 17, 1933. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lee Roberson and Virginia Gertrude Leath Roberson. He was educated in the Fayette County Public School System and was a graduate of the Fayette County High School in Somerville, Class of 1952.

Mr. Roberson served as a Fighter Plane Mechanic in the United States Air Force from 1951 until his discharge in 1955. He was a Long Distance Truck Operator for Roadway Express and a Diesel Mechanic for Massey Ferguson in earlier years. He also owned and operated restaurants located in Whiteville and at Exit 42 in Fayette County before his retirement.

A non-judgemental "people person" who enjoyed the friendships of many, Mr. Roberson will be remembered as an outgoing, caring individual who enjoyed genealogy and visiting with friends and family.

Patriotism and devotion to his family and community were qualities that Mr. Roberson exhibited throughout his life.

Survivors of Mr. Roberson include his son, Mark A. Roberson (Janet) of Somerville; three sisters: Lillian Pearl Buffaloe of Somerville; Margie Marie Webb of Horn Lake, MS and Shelva Jean Ashcraft of Somerville; his brother, Sydney Earl Roberson of Somerville and three grandchildren: Victoria Grace, Sarah Kristen and Hunter Aaron Elijah Roberson.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charlie Roberson and Peter Roberson.

Those honored to serve as casket bearers were Danny Dowdy, Ronnie Dowdy, Vernon Dowdy, Wayne Dowdy, Jimmie German and Ronnie Webb.

Honorary casket bearers were Howard Dowdy, John Frank Dowdy, Sydney Earl and Clarence Taylor.

The family request that Memorials be directed to the Liberty Baptist Church.