Wilbur Lamar Roberts

Wilbur Lamar Roberts, known affectionately as Poppa, passed away on July 30, 2024, near his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. Born on March 22, 1936, to Fred and Lois Roberts in Quincy, Florida. Wilbur’s childhood was spent in the small community of Coopers, Georgia, but he lived most of his adult life in Marietta and was a pillar of the community he so dearly loved. Wilbur was a graduate of Midway High School, class of 1952, and went on to pursue his passion for civil engineering at Southern Technical College, earning his bachelor’s degree. His career as a civil engineer was marked by his dedication to enhancing the highway infrastructure of Georgia. He played a pivotal role in building many of the roads and highways we use and enjoy today. Wilbur retired from CW Matthews after 30 years of dedicated service. In 1956, Wilbur married his beloved late wife, Sara Jean Folendore, in a beautiful ceremony at their hometown church. Together, they raised three children: Mark (Donna) Roberts, Sherrie (Leroy) Goodwin, and Wanda (Jerry) Bland. Wilbur was known for his compassion and outstanding love for his family, the unforgettable family trips to Lake Burton and his Sunday afternoon ribs and homemade ice cream were the stuff of family legend. Wilbur's hobbies were as rich and varied as his professional life. He was an avid fisherman, a talented craftsman in woodwork, and a gadget king. Sadly, Wilbur was predeceased by his wife, Jean; parents, Fred and Lois; sister(s), Jewell and Virgina; and brother, Charles. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his children, Mark, Sherrie, and Wanda; his six grandchildren, Zachary Goodwin, Brittani (John) Clark, Casie (Bobby) Moore, Jacob (Bianca) Roberts, Seth (Jackie) Bland, and Sara (Matt) Aultman; his great-grandchildren, Taylor, Jordan, Rayne, Carolyn, Huddler, Paxton, Collins, and Ada Jean; and many nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Wilbur's life will be held on August 3, 2024 with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and service at 11:30 am. Located at Southern Cremations & Funerals—Cheatham Hill Memorial Park, 1861 Dallas Hwy, Marietta, GA 30064. Following the service, Wilbur will be laid to rest at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park. The family has designated Jerry Bland, Zachary Goodwin, John Clark, Seth Bland, Matthew Aultman, Rayne Aultman, and Paxton Aultman as pallbearers to accompany Wilbur on his final journey. The service will be officiated by Pastor Michael Boatfield. Wilbur Lamar Roberts (Poppa) will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His legacy will live on in the bridges and roads he built, both in steel and concrete, and in the hearts of those who knew him.