Jan. 3, 2024
Mr. R.E. “Rip” Roberts, 92, of Jones County, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Funeral services were at Hart’s Mortuary Jones County Chapel, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at 3:00PM, with the Reverend John Haney and the Reverend Jason Dillard officiating. Interment at Cedar Ridge Cemetery followed the service. The family greeted friends at Hart’s Mortuary Jones County Chapel, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM.
Rip was a life-long resident of Jones County and a hard-working farmer.
He took pride in the stewardship of his family’s farm and was known for working from breakfast to supper. In October of 2023, he was a recipient of the Georgia Centennial Farm Award, recognizing family farms that “have contributed to preserving Georgia’s agricultural history by maintaining working farms for more than 100 years”. Rip enjoyed hunting, but especially loved hunting in Durango, Colorado. He was a faithful Christian and above all, Rip will be remembered for his love for his family.
Rip is preceded in death by his grandson, Troy McWilliams; and sisters, Miriam Allen and Angeline Bennett. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Viola Roberts; daughters, Karen McWilliams (Jeff) of Gray, and Connie Duckworth (Joe) of Milledgeville; son, Steve Roberts of Gray; grandchildren, Jason McWilliams (Ashley), Casey McWilliams (Brianne), Blake McWilliams, Amanda Hartley (Hunter), and Zane Duckworth; and great-grandchildren, Vallory McWilliams, Colton McWilliams, Turner McWilliams, Riley McWilliams, Elleigh Hartley, and Avery McWilliams.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Enhabit Hospice Care, Wayne Garrett, Cassandra Andrews Moss, Tameika Briscoe, Catherine Reid, and Juri Mintz for their wonderful care of Mr.
Roberts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clinton United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please visit www. hartsmort.com to express condolences.
Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart’s Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of arrangements.
