Shelton State To Host Funeral Service For Will Roberts

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Funeral arrangements have been announced for William B. "Will" Roberts, the Tuscaloosa County teenager whose courageous battle with Stage IV osteosarcoma inspired countless people across Alabama and beyond.

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A public visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Shelton State Community College gymnasium, with funeral service immediately following at noon.

Burial will take place at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ralph, with Magnolia Chapel South directing.

As Patch previously reported, Roberts died July 23 at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.

He was 15.

Diagnosed with Stage IV osteosarcoma on Jan. 9, 2025, Roberts' journey drew widespread attention as his family shared updates on his treatments and faith.

He underwent months of chemotherapy, radiation, multiple surgeries and ultimately lost a leg to cancer, later learning to walk again with a prosthetic.

His treatment took him from Children's of Alabama in Birmingham to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and eventually to Rady Children's Hospital and the Sarcoma Oncology Center in California.

Throughout the journey, supporters from across the country rallied around the family through prayers, donations and messages of encouragement.

In his obituary, Roberts' family said cancer did not define him but instead revealed the strength of his faith and character.

"Cancer never won. It stole time, took comfort, took a leg, took his breath but it never took his smile, his faith, or the victory that belonged to Jesus Christ."

The obituary describes Roberts as an outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, making people laugh and sharing his faith. It says he "never met a stranger" and had a smile that could brighten any room.

The family encouraged those wishing to honor Roberts to remember the way he lived.

"Go fishing. Take your kids hunting. Laugh until your stomach hurts," the obituary said. "Tell someone about Jesus. Love your family fiercely, and when life gets hard, fight with everything you've got and never waiver in your faith."

Roberts is survived by his parents, Jason and Brittney Roberts; his younger sister, Charlie; his grandparents; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Darby Kate Roberts, who died in 2013.

The family also expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and medical staff who cared for Roberts throughout his treatment, along with the many prayer supporters, members of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency family and local, state and federal law enforcement officers who stood beside them during his battle.

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