John Wesley Roberson's Obituary
Colonel John Wesley (Wes) Roberson, USAF Retired, age 91, passed away on May 6, 2026. Wes was born September 28, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee. A lifelong Memphian, he graduated from Central High School in 1952 and from Memphis State University in 1956 with a B.S. in Business Administration. It was at Memphis State where he met and married the love of his life, Sandra Key Swinney, of Jackson, Tennessee.
"The Colonel," as he was often affectionately called, entered active military service in April 1957 and completed pilot training in 1958. He served at Dover Air Force Base from 1958 to 1960 and at Lajes Air Base in the Azores, Portugal, from 1960 to 1962.
In 1962, he returned to civilian life to join the family grocery business while continuing his service as a reservist with the 164th Tactical Airlift Unit of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Colonel Roberson served as an Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Examiner in the C-97, C-124, and the C-130 aircraft. A Command Pilot, he accrued over 9,000 flying hours throughout his distinguished career.
In 1968, he transitioned to a full-time role as an Air Technician with the Memphis unit of the Tennessee National Guard, serving as Director of Operations and Chief of Safety. In July 1985, he was appointed the Air National Guard Advisor to the Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command, at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois. It was during this assignment that he attained the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1990.
His military decorations include two Outstanding Unit Awards, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Air Force Reserve Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. His Tennessee decorations include the Vietnam Commendation Ribbon and the Governor’s Unit Citation.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Wes was a master storyteller, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. While he answered to many nicknames—including "Boy," "Perch Mouth," "Major," and "Herb"—the title he treasured most was "Papa." He had a passion for cards and games of all kinds, especially when played with his family, and he took immense pride in watching his grandsons play golf, basketball, and soccer. A legendary storyteller, he was the anchor of every family gathering, spinning tales that left everyone wondering just how much to believe.
An avid duck hunter, Wes found refuge and peace at the duck camp. Those trips with his long-time hunting buddies provided years of camaraderie, and he cherished the special memories of hunting alongside his grandson. His "gift of service" was best seen in his relationship with his colleagues at the Air National Guard; he held his fellow airmen in the highest regard, frequently testing the theory that his "buddies" could fix anything by bringing them various projects to repair.
His roots in the grocery business made him a self-proclaimed "expert" shopper. He took great pride in teaching others how to spot the best cut of meat or how to master the art of couponing.
Wes was a man of faith, and Grace Evangelical Church was his extended family. He and Sandra loved their community there, serving as greeters—a role that gave Wes the perfect audience for his favorite stories. In his later years, he enjoyed the companionship of friends and staff at the Villages Germantown, who remained an attentive audience for his many tales.
His life was defined by his 58-year devotion to Sandra. While she provided the energy that kept them busy, Wes provided a lifetime of quiet, constant love, marked by a kiss and an "I love you" each night. After missing her for eleven years, they are finally together again.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Sr “JW” and Margret Roberson; his wife, Sandra Roberson; his daughter, Leesa Davis; and his sisters, Ann Jones and Lucille Caldwell.
He is survived by his son, Bart Roberson and wife Debbie; son-in-law, Mike Davis and wife Karen; his grandchildren, Meg Korbitz and husband Garrett, John Roberson, Tucker Davis and wife Sarah Lawrence, and Reed Davis and wife Gretchen; and his great-grandchildren, Zelle, Maisie, Tuck Hunt, Ansley, and Sadie Davis. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Beverly Booth and husband Mark; his nieces, Sissy Barr, Donna Dearman, Willene Spitzer, and Julie Baird; and his nephew, Andrew Baird.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 14 at Memorial Park Funeral Home until the graveside service begins at 11:00 a.m. in Memorial Park Cemetery.
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