Billy Roberts

Although his life was filled with countless experiences and things that greatly enriched his journey, there was nothing more near and dear to the heart of Billy Roberts than the family he viewed as his priceless treasure. He was a man of honor and integrity who believed in giving back to the world around him. Billy took his roles as a husband and father to heart, but nothing could have prepared him for the abundant joy he would feel in becoming a grandfather later in life. His journey was not without times of trial, but he faced whatever came his way with a quiet strength and unwavering courage that was unmatched. Billy will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished. From the exciting and prosperous days of the Roaring Twenties, we were ushered into the dark days of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Along with jobs that became difficult to find came an unemployment rate that soared to over 25 percent. The American spirit continued to burn, however, as we celebrated accomplishments such as the completions of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building as well as the first Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1934 that brought sheer happiness to a young couple from Hickman, Kentucky, as they announced the birth of their baby boy on January 23rd. Billy Joe was the only child born to his parents, Osby and Willie Mae (Coble) Roberts, and was raised in the family home in Hickman, a small town located along the banks of the Mississippi River. His father worked as a used car dealer while his mother was a homemaker. In many ways Billy experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. He was a very active young boy who played on the tennis team and was an outstanding point guard on the basketball team. While a high school student Billy was also the yearbook editor. With his high school education behind him, Bill went on to Murray State College, but his college plans were put on hold after only one year as he was drafted into the United States Air Force. He became part of an elite communications and intelligence team, serving in Japan during the Korean Conflict. With the wars end, Billy returned stateside and enrolled at Elkhart University in Indiana where he studied X-ray technology. It was while at Elkhart that Billy met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Margaret Ramirez, and she was studying dental science. A dating relationship ensued, and the couple soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Bill and Margaret were married on January 24, 1958, in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a young newlywed he was called back into the Air Force, and his new wife came along with him as he was stationed in various places. Together Billy and Margaret were filled with unspeakable joy to welcome the healthy baby boy they named William into their hearts and home in 1959 while they were stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. Shortly thereafter, they were sent to the Philippines where son Jim was born in 1960 before returning to Langley Air Force base in Virginia. In addition to serving during the Koran Conflict, Bill also served during the Vietnam War. After his time was fulfilled in the Air Force, Billy and his family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where Margarets family also lived. Once in Muskegon, Bill went back to school at Muskegon Community College and later at Ferris State where he earned a B.S. in Health Planning. He would later go on to get his Masters in Science from Central Michigan in Health Planning. With a solid education in place, Billy accepted a position as a health planner at WMAPS where he was responsible for overseeing 13 counties in Michigan. After 17 years there, he took a position as the director of in-service training at the Muskegon Regional Center. Billy retired several years later due to some medical issues. Bill found his career to be rewarding, but he treasured the time he had to spend with his family. They lived on the East side of Muskegon for a time before settling into a large home in the Glenside neighborhood. Bill took great pride in his yard and always made sure that it was meticulously maintained. As a father he was actively involved in the lives of his children and made sure that he was there for all of their sporting, band and orchestra, and school events. The Roberts family enjoyed going camping at rustic campgrounds around Michigan and in Canada in addition to fun-filled road trips around the country. In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed keeping busy. He belonged to the YMCA for several years, and there he enjoyed running, playing basketball, and taking part in family nights. Bill was an avid University of Michigan Fan who had season tickets to the football games at the Big House for many years. In addition to his work, he served on many boards and committees around the state and also served on the Muskegon Catholic Board of Education. Later in life Bill experienced both peaks and valleys along his lifes journey. He was diagnosed with lupus in the early nineties, which eventually necessitated an early retirement. For as long as he was able, Bill played tennis with friends at McGraft Park. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling to places such as Chicago, New York, and Florida in addition to other places to visit relatives. Both Bill and his wife loved being grandparents, and they babysat their grandchildren as often as they could. Bill continued to enjoy reading, even up to seven books in a week at times. He also tried to instill this passion into his children and grandchildren. Although he was raised Baptist, Bill later converted to the Catholic faith and regularly attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with his wife. All who knew Bill Roberts would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was genuine and kindhearted, honest and hardworking. Bill was blessed to spend the majority of his life alongside his true love with whom he witnessed his family tree blossom to include the children and grandchildren who made him so very proud. Bills timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow him. Billy J. Roberts died Friday, January 17, 2014, at Mercy Health Partners-Mercy Campus. Bills family includes his wife, Margaret; sons, William (Debra) Ramirez-Roberts of E. Lansing and James D.Roberts of St Joseph; grandchildren, Olivia, Aaron, Josh, Morgan, and Connor; in-laws, John (Annette) Ramirez, Tony(Minnie) Ramirez, Marion Ramirez, Frances (Garth) Wambaugh, Michael Purcell, Gloria (Ron) Miedema, Rene Carrillo; many nieces & nephews. Visit with Bills family and friends on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Funeral Mass for Billy will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church at 10AM. Memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.