Freddie D. Roberts, 86, of Weirsdale, passed away in his home on February 22, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Freddie was born on November 26th, 1936 to Varney Roberts and Marion Mallory in Jenkins, Kentucky. He served time as a radio and communications operator in the United States Army in Germany before being honorably discharged and relocating to Winter Haven, Florida. Freddie became a Sergeant for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, as well as serving as a deputy for the Winter Haven Police Department. He also helped develop the first ambulance response services for Polk County. Freddie was an entrepreneur, and started several businesses including restaurants and furniture stores. In the 1970’s, Freddie got involved in the trucking industry, and spent many years driving semis, hauling trailers, and running his own dispatch company. In his free time, Freddie loved baseball of all levels. From 1994 to 2010, he helped coach and umpire Little League for the City of Mount Dora. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and going out to eat with his family.
Freddie was predeceased by his wife: Johanne Roberts; children: Michael Williams and Rayetta Williams; parents: Varney William Roberts and Marion Edith Mallory; and also by siblings: Nancy Johnson, Mary Lou Crosby, and Glen William Roberts. He is survived by his children: Linda (Wayne) Roberts Phillips, Regina McGhee, Kenneth (Angela) Roberts, Douglas (Jami) Roberts, and Selena Arredondo. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 1st at the Allen J. Harden Funeral Home and the Pine Forest Cemetery in Mount Dora, Florida.
Freddie brought a lot of light and laughter to the lives of all those he knew, and he will be dearly loved and missed.