Former South Cobb Lions Club President & South Cobb Fire Dept. Founder Dies at Age 85

J. E. "Gene" Roberts, one of the most civically engaged South Cobb residents, died at age 85 on Monday at Wellstar Cobb Hospital.

Roberts, a Mableton resident, was a World War II veteran helped with many organizations, including churches and PTAs, but he was most active in the South Cobb Lions Club.

Roberts, a past president of the South Cobb Lions Club, was award the Melvin Jones Award, which is the club's highest honors. He also received the Lion of the Year and Mr. Legionnaire awards.

He took over the reins of the South Cobb unit of the American Cancer Society in 1975 after he retired from the Doraville General Moters assembly plant, where he worked for 27 years. At that time, the unit was scheduled to close because of a lack of funding.

Roberts worked closely with local agencies, organizations and churches to raise the money needed and to find volunteers to assist ACS. After two years, the unit was official again. Roberts continued to help ensure the survival of the unit, and he also counseled cancer patients and their families as well as helped them get information about any aid they could receive.

He was also a past president of the civic club that founded the now-defunct South Cobb Fire Department, and he purchased the first fire truck that South Cobb had, according to his funeral biography.

He was an active member of Mableton First Baptist Church, the Latham Masonic Lodge #12 F&AM and the Yaarab Shrine Temple.

He is preceded in death by his son, John Eugene Roberts Jr. Survivors include wife, Sarah "Sandy" Roberts; son, Doug Roberts; daughter-in0law, Diane Gibbs Roberts; stepdaughters, Jane McCurley and Judy Parker; stepsons, Bill and David Brookshire; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mableton First Baptist Church with Rev. Stephen Byrd, Rev. David York and Rev. Terry Phillips officiating.  Interment followed at Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences made at:  www.genedavisfuneralhome.com