Paul Roberts' Obituary
Mr. Paul Roberts, Jr died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 26th, 2017 in Memphis, TN at the age of 92. He is survived by wife, Mrs. Jean Ferrell Roberts, daughters Peggy Roberts Hood ( Gary Hood), Jeanne Roberts Perriera (Jerry Perriera), and brother Howard Roberts. He is preceded in death by son Paul Edward Roberts and six (6) brothers and five (5) sisters. Mr. Paul Roberts, Jr was born in the Leap Year of February 29th, 1924 in Memphis, TN to Paul Roberts, Sr and Jennie Meadows Roberts. He enlisted along with four (4) of his brothers (all returned after the war) in the U.S. Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged as a decorated Staff Sergeant in 1945. While in the Army he won the Golden Glove Boxing Championship. He was awarded the Purple Heart, European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, three (3) Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After the war Mr. Paul Roberts, Jr returned to Memphis, TN, married Mrs Jean Ferrell and started Paul’s Upholstery Shop. He owned and operated the shop for sixty-five (65) years where he instilled in his children and grandchildren work ethics, the importance of having a skill and a profession. During that time he attended Chicago Academy of Arts where he majored in design. He was an Elder of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He also supported numerous community charities. Mr. Paul Roberts, Jr and Mrs Jean Roberts had three (3) children, five (5) grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Son Paul Edward Roberts, grandson Paul Anthony Roberts (Betsy Roberts). Daughter Peggy S. Roberts Hood, granddaughter Tiffany D. Hood-Ely (Jason Ely). Daughter Jeanne M. Roberts Perriera, grandson Stephen L. Welsh IV (Mandy Welsh), grandson John Paul Welsh (Deanna Welsh), and granddaughter Hollie R. Perriera. Mr. Paul Roberts, Jr was known to his brothers and sisters as Junior, his employees and customers as Mr. Paul, and to his friends as Paul. He opened his home to those he felt needed to be nurtured by his family. He was generous with his time and personal support when needed. He saw the good in others and tried to help them see it as well. He willing gave of himself before others when needed. Upon returning from the war, the door was opened for him to pursue his love of travelling. He travelled with family and friends around America using a tent, a pop-up trailer, a camper and cruises. Two of his favorite locations were Electric Mountain at Jackson Hole, WY and Pensacola, FL. Some of his favorite pastimes were: making homemade ice cream, dancing, enjoying Big Band music, playing cards, parties, watching old Westerns, having tomato growing competition with Peggy, teaching Jeanne to run the shop and picking the best chocolates out of the box. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 3 from 4 – 7 pm and the funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 2 pm all at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery with a reception to follow the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Paul Roberts, Jr life. You may send flowers but we ask donations be sent in Paul Roberts, Jr name instead to the Veteran’s Affairs at http://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/default.asp . The family would like to thank the staff of Riverdale Assisted Living and Bright Glade Nursing Home for their efforts and dedication to Mr. Paul Roberts, Jr.
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