Willie Gene Roberts

          Willie “Gene” Roberts, age 81, of Asheville, NC passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Advent Health Hendersonville in Hendersonville, NC. Gene was born on October 12, 1939 in Buncombe County, NC to the late Donald James Roberts and Lola Maude Ray.

          He was a truck driver for Southern Concrete Materials in Asheville and was retired.  Gene was a humble and simple man who would help anyone who needed it. His personality was always upbeat and positive and he loved telling stories. He enjoyed being outdoors, going camping and riding the lake on his pontoon boat. He had fun feeding birds and squirrels and loved a good poker game with his buddies. Most importantly, Gene was a caring and loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who adored his family and spending time with them.

          In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his two brothers, Virgil Brendle and Dexter Roberts; and two sisters, Ruby Ayers and Eileen Peterson.

          Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 29 years, Gail Ward Roberts; two daughters, Darlene (Ricky) Talbert  of Cameron, SC, and Lynn (Richard) Stanley of Mill Spring, NC; two sons, Ricky Roberts of Marion, NC and David Elkins of Asheville, NC; a brother, Larry Roberts of Nebo, NC; a sister, Gladys “Jim” Bass of Black Mountain, NC; eight grandchildren, Melanie (Sam) Taylor of Cameron, SC, Jennifer and Karla Roberts, both of Asheville, NC, Alyssa (Scott) Lewis, Brittany (Willard) Buckner, and Kaden Elkins, all of Mill Spring, NC, Amber (John Nick) Setterlind of Black Mountain, NC, and Colby Elkins of Weaverville, NC; fourteen great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

          A celebration of life will be held from 12pm-3pm, Saturday, January 30, 2021 at The Place Fellowship Church located at 2 Laura Jackson Road, Fairview, NC 28730.

          Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Roberts Family and assisting them with arrangements.

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