HUGH ELLIS ROBERTS
Oct. 19, 1934-Feb. 7, 2014
Hugh Ellis Roberts passed away Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.
Hugh was born in Goldsboro Oct. 19, 1934, to the late James Henry Roberts and Irma Ellis Roberts.
After serving in the United States Navy, he married the love of his life, Joanne Jernigan Roberts, in 1959. When you saw Hugh, you saw Joanne. They were a perfect team, and always enjoyed spending time together.
They shared a special bond that produced many blessings during their 55 years of happiness together. Hugh counted his two girls, Cynthia and Lisa, and his four grandchildren Chelsea, Chas, Will and Matt, as his greatest blessings.
Hugh was a graduate of Goldsboro High School and North Carolina Real Estate School.
Hugh retired from Branch Banking and Trust Co. after being in the banking business for more than 20 years.
Hugh possessed a keen aptitude for business and a love for real estate. Hugh became a North Carolina licensed real estate broker-in-charge in 1988, and was a member of the Goldsboro/Wayne County Board of Realtors.
Hugh and Joanne developed Pride House Realty, a firm that managed their real estate acquisitions and developments.
Hugh was a man with a big heart, who cherished his family and friends. Hugh's character and beliefs always demonstrated that the love of family and friends was more valuable than worldly possessions.
Hugh was very hospitable, and had a special way of making everyone feel like a part of his family. When he fondly called you "Shug," you knew you'd made an impression in his big heart. His primary goal was the happiness and security of family.
Hugh had a tremendous appreciation for history and old things, especially his collection of antique cars. He enjoyed the history and craftsmanship of things built long ago, and was a member of the National Durant Club.
Hugh enjoyed the simpler things in life, and lived a life with no regrets. Hugh found humor in many things, and had a unique way of "summing things up." When you asked him a question, you knew you'd get Hugh's version of a straight forward answer and "telling it like it is." He exhibited a positive attitude, and looked for the best in others.
He was most comfortable at his sound side cottage at Emerald Isle. He enjoyed sitting on the porch observing the beauty of nature, especially the water and birds. He delighted in socializing with family and friends. His daily routine often included eating in the morning with his "breakfast buddies."
Hugh was a lifetime member of the BPOE Elks Lodge No. 139.
Although Hugh was a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. He was kind and compassionate and always willing to help his fellow man. A man of integrity and honesty, he was generous to a fault.
He was a testament to Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given, much is required."
Hugh's greatest gift to his children and grandchildren was teaching them to work hard, play hard and care for others, and that lesson will follow them the rest of their lives. We have lost a hero, but God has gained an angel.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Joanne J. Roberts, his daughters, Cynthia Flynt and husband, Randy, of Greenville and Lisa Sorrels and husband, Bill, of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Chelsea and Chas Flynt and Will and Matt Sorrels; brother, Guy Roberts and sister-in-law, Ada, of Goldsboro; sister, Mary Lou Basden of Mount Olive; and sister-in-law, Julia Roberts of Charlotte.
He is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends to celebrate his life Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, and other times, at the home.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home, with the Rev. Phyllis Vail officiating. Interment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park.
The Roberts Family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, who provided wonderful care for Hugh during his illness. Words alone cannot express our thanks for making his last days more comfortable.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 9, 2014 11:36 AM