Obituaries for Tuesday, February 25th, 2025

Strother Eugene “Gene” Roberts, 86, passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on February 22, 2025, at Lucy Smith King Care Center.

Gene was a 1959 graduate of City High and honorably served in the United States Army. A devoted member of First Assembly of God Church, he worked for CSX for 40 years before retiring on July 30, 2000. He enjoyed time at The Gathering Place, where he regularly played pool and cards. An avid bowler, Gene won the City Bowling Tournament in 1976. He also had a deep love for fishing, sports—especially his beloved UK Wildcats—and woodworking, often crafting birdhouses to bless others. Above all, he cherished his family and his faith.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Ada Garrett Roberts; his sisters, Nellie Crowder and Jo Busby; and his brother, James Roberts.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Anna Lenora Roberts; his daughter, Tammy Jones (Greg); his son, Rodney Roberts (Stacy); and his cherished grandchildren: Preston Roberts (Kelly), Zach Jones (Gina), Hannah Gilland (Logan), and Faith Benson (Corey). He was a proud Great-Papaw to Emery Jones, Ayla Jones, Wyatt Payne, Braxton Payne, Isabella Payne, and Baby Benson, arriving in August.

Gene’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson, with Rev. Kevin Stone and his grandson, Zach Jones, officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be 3:00 PM- 7:00 PM Thursday February 27, 2025 and on Friday 11:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

American Legion Post #40 burial detail will conduct military honors.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the First Assembly of God Church Building Fund.