R. C. "Sonny" Roberts, Jr

R. C. “Sonny” Roberts, Jr., age 95, passed peacefully into his eternal home with Jesus Christ, his Savior, on March 13, 2024.

Sonny was born in Jackson and grew up on his family’s property on Raymond Road, which was outside the city limits at that time.  His first non-related neighbors were Jesse and Elizabeth Drake.  Until his sister Anne was born 10 years later, he was the only child in his extended family and the entire Alta Woods/Raymond area.

Sonny attended Forest Hill through 9^th grade where he made many lifetime friends.  He attended Chamberlain Hunt Academy for one year, where he worked in the Commandant’s office.

Three of the best years of Sonny’s life were spent at Sewanee Military Academy in Tennessee where the Superintendent was William R. Smith, who was the former Superintendent at West Point.  At that time Sewanee was run like a little West Point with a strong Episcopal foundation.   The daily routine was reveille at sunrise, followed by calisthenics, a rigorous academic schedule, Bible study, and weekly parade drills and Sunday inspection.  Believe it or not, Sonny loved it.  He achieved the rank of Sgt. Major which was the highest non-commissioned officer position.  Sonny kept up with many of his Sewanee classmates through the years and is believed to be the last survivor of his class.

After Sewanee, Sonny enrolled at Ole Miss, pledged Pi Kappa Alpha, spent much of his time partying in Memphis, and “quituated” (as he liked to say) after his first year.

Sonny returned to Jackson and worked for a while at his father’s Purina Seed Store on Terry Road (which convinced him he was not cut out to be an employee).

Not long after returning to Jackson, Sonny met Bobbie, who he described as “the prettiest girl he had ever seen.”  It was love at first sight.  Sonny and Bobbie were married for 72 “mostly wonderful” years.  They are now joyously reunited in heaven.

In 1954 Sonny formed Southern Seed Company, Inc., a wholesale seed and garden supply company.    Sonny was well known and recognized in that industry.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Seedman’s Assoc., the Board of the National Lawn and Garden Supply Distributor’s Assoc., the original Board of Directors of the National Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors Assoc. and was Chairman of the Ariens Advisory Board.  He also formed and owned Southern Appliance Distributors, Inc., handling the Amana brand in Mississippi.

After selling Southern Seed Co., Sonny began selling commercial real estate, first with Smith Edwards, and later with Roberts Realty after attaining his GRI.  It was at Smith Edwards that he was in a prayer group with Gary Richardson, who will be officiating at his funeral.

Sonny loved golf and playing golf with his buddies.  He spent hours and hours on the course.  Nothing was more fun for him than 18 holes on a pretty day and a few hours holding forth in the 19^th hole afterwards.  The score made little difference.  He served 2 terms as President of the Brookwood Country Club.   He was able to play many great courses throughout the country, many of which have hosted PGA championships.

Sonny was saved at an early age.  Perhaps the most satisfying life endeavor was his service in the ministry of Alta Woods Presbyterian Church where he served 31 years as a Deacon and 11 years as a Ruling Elder.  He was elected as Elder Emeritas in 2005.  During his time at Alta Woods, he taught Sunday School in the Junior Dept. for 4 years, the Builder’s Class for 14 years, and the Men’s Bible Class for another 4 years.  After Alta Woods he attended Pearl Presbyterian Church and later was a faithful member of Wynndale Presbyterian Church.  Sonny had a strong faith in Christ and enjoyed studying his Bible and praying for his family and friends daily.

Sonny had a quick wit and was well known for his one-liners and nicknames for his friends.  He enjoyed good food, good wine and good times as much as anyone.  He was fun to be around in his days.  We will miss our Sonny, our Daddy, our “Raindrops,” our “Dadaddy” and will continue telling his stories.

Sonny was predeceased by his parents, R.C. Roberts, Sr., and Ann Hartley Roberts, his wife, Bobbie Latham, and his first grandchild, Joshua Charlton Roberts.  He is survived by his sister, Anne Hartness, his children, Richard C. Roberts III (Ginny), Cynthia Roberts (Mike Hutchings), Beverly Trussell (Pete), and “Number 2” Mike George (Marolyn), 5 grandchildren, Jennifer Williams (Joey), Todd Trussell, Charlton Roberts (Ceara), JulieAnna Sherrod (John), Natalie Hargrove (Will), 11 great-grandchildren (including newly born Ruby Lee Roberts) and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 20, at 10 am with a short service to follow at 11 at the outside Pavillion at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery.