Gilbert Clyde Roberts

Abingdon, VA – Chief Machinist’s Mate, Gilbert Clyde Roberts, U.S. Navy Retired, age 86 and of the Alvarado Community, passed on Friday, December 8, 2017, in Mt. Home Veterans Affairs Hospital. Gilbert retired after 22 years of service in the United States Navy where he served in Korea, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam. Gilbert also had the unique experience of serving on the U.S.S. Hornet when he and his shipmates retrieved Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 crew from the Pacific Ocean after he became the first person to walk on the moon. He was a member of Patton-Crosswhite V.F.W. Post 6975, the D.A.V, and the Retired Enlisted Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Georgia Sweet Roberts; and brothers, Cecil Roberts and Dexter Roberts. Gilbert is survived by one brother, John Thomas Roberts of Alvarado, VA; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Roberts of Bristol, VA; uncle, Gene Sweet of Bristol, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2017, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in Greenwood Cemetery in Alvarado with Pastor Junior Gobble officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be David Sweet, Tom Roberts, Dean Smith, Dewey Sweet, Don Wood, Graham Sweet, Carl Sweet, David Roberts, Wilbert Roberts, and Luke Roberts. Military rites will be conducted by the United States Navy and Highlands Veterans Honor Guard. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Mt. Home Veterans Affairs Hospital Staff, Dean Smith, and Helen Wood for all the care they gave to Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood Cemetery, c/o Ray Smith, 26192 Denton Valley Road, Abingdon, VA 24211, in Mr. Roberts’ Name. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The Roberts family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.