Lawson Dewaine "L.D." Roberts, 90, died in his sleep on Friday morning, Jan. 16, 2009, at Willow Acres Assisted Living Home.

His son, Charles Roberts, and daughter-in-law, Pierina Roberts, of Gold N Gifts Jewelry Store in Athens, were with him until 9 p.m. the night before and rushed to his side at the time of death. He was almost 91 years old, born May 1, 1918, in McMinn County to the late Fred and Ellen Fowler Roberts. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Wood Roberts in 2005. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army, and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He was a businessman in both California and Meigs County, having owned and operated Roberts Grocery on Highway 68 and Clearwater Road in Meigs County from 1969 to 1981. In addition to the grocery business, he was a farmer, a father, a husband and a friend.

He was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge in Limatia, Calif., a Shriner, a 32nd degree Mason and a York Rite member in Tennessee. He lived with his son and daughter-in-law for two years after his wife\'s death and, for the remaining two years of his life, he lived at the private assisted-living home, Willow Acres. At Willow Acres, he was well taken care of and loved. Every weekend, Charles and Pierina would bring him home for his favorite breakfast, sausage, gravy and eggs. He would tell stories of his past and recall fond memories. He was very happy and well-loved in his last years.

He spent his last Christmas with his family (to include his great-grandaughters). He joins his wife and loved ones who have passed before him and rests in peace and love. He will always be loved and truly missed.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Pierina Roberts of Athens; one daughter and son-in-law, Annette and Pete Prichard of Franklin; two granddaughters and spouses, Christina and Maj. Les Barnett and Katherina and Dr. Steve Page; two great-granddaughters, Isabella Barnett and Madeline Page; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Roberts of Etowah; one brother-in-law, O.T. Wood of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home. Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday in Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com