Charles Allen Roberts, the son of the late John C. and Ruth Hagans Roberts, and grandson of the late Alonzo and Fronia Hagans was born October 6, 1929 in Wilson, North Carolina. The call to eternal rest came on August 23, 2012 at his home in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Charles was reared in the Fair Bluff, North Carolina community where he joined Sandy Grove Baptist Church. Charles was affectionately known at "Zeke" by his friends and family. He later joined St. Luke Presbyterian Church after moving to Orangeburg where he served as a Deacon.
He received his early education in the Fair Bluff public schools and, later graduated from Charles H. Darden High School in Wilson, North Carolina. Prior to matriculating to South Carolina State College, he served in the United States Army. At South Carolina State College, he earned both the Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and the Master's Degree in Education. Later, he attended Virginia State College where he earned a Master's Degree in Education. He received the Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Virginia.
Charles was a professor at Voorhees College and Director of the Instructional Media Center at South Carolina State University from where he later retired. He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society.
Known by many a "Quick Charlie," he enjoyed life and never met a stranger. He was a devoted family man and his infectious, charismatic personality and funny sense of humor endeared him to many, and left lasting impressions on everyone he knew.
Charles was an avid collector of vintage model cars and developed an affinity for cooking fine southern cuisine. His life has been an inspiration to many and the memories will forever hold a place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The Kappa Alpha Psi farewell ceremony was held on Monday, August 27, 2012, at 6pm at Simmons Funeral Home, Orangeburg, SC.
The service of triumph was held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at St. Luke Presbyterian Church USA Orangeburg, SC with Reverend Don J. Johnson, officiating, entombment followed in Belleville Memorial Gardens.
He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Margaret Anderson Roberts, of the home; a son, Mark Anthony Roberts of Raleigh, NC; a daughter, Joan Roberts Reed of Columbia, SC; a son-in-law Marvin A. Reed of Columbia, SC; step- mother, Mary Frances Roberts of Arlington, VA; three sisters: Cynthia Moore of Temple Hills, MD, Patricia (Elmer) Harris of Dale City, VA, and Jacqueline Chappelle of Baltimore, MD; three brothers: Jonathan (Cheryl) Roberts of Waldorf, MD, Quenton (Judy) Roberts of Fairfax County, VA and Augustus (Alethea) Satterwhite of New Bern, NC; four sisters-in-law, Jennie Williams of Greenville, SC, Gwendolyn Elliott of Upper Marlboro, MD, Robbie Anderson of Williamston, SC, and Joyce Linda Shepherd of Anderson, SC; one brother-in-law Claude D. Anderson of Williamston, SC; five grandchildren: Glenn Jamal, Jade Ashlyn, Robert Charles, Sean Anthony and Dominic Alexander; a special god-daughter Deborah Durant Meador of Corpus Christi, TX; and a host of other family members and many friends.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mrs. Margaret Roberts, 1589 Belleville Road, Orangeburg, SC or to www.simmonsfuneralhome.com . Local arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home 805 E. Nash Street Wilson, NC.