Jerry Lynn Roberts

Jerry Lynn Roberts, 75, of Little Rock, AR peacefully left this world September 15, 2024 surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his daughter's home in Maine. Born in Wenatchee, WA on November 28,1948 to Alta Chambers and Ira Roberts, he was the third of 8 children and adored his brothers and sisters. 

He graduated from Hot Springs High school in 1966 and joined the United States Navy as a radarman during Vietnam. He often spoke with fondness of his travels to Italy , the beauty of the starry sky from his ship, and friendships made during his military service. Following his service, he completed a Bachelor's degree in Biology at Henderson State University.

Jerry worked for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission identifying and preserving natural areas in the state, as a naturalist at Lake Ouachita State Park, and dedicated 30 years at Entergy as an environmental specialist. He loved the plants and natural beauty of Arkansas and wanted to be remembered for his work protecting the land and keeping it clean for all to enjoy.

Family was important and he was a devoted, loving, and supportive Father, Grandpa, Brother, and Uncle. The sweetest Dad and Grandpa, he was intentional about making memories and taking time to visit his daughter Jess and family in Maine, catching up on the phone and late night conversations with his brothers and sisters, showing up for graduations/milestone events and family holidays. 

J.R. had many hobbies and interests and could often be found listening to the Moody Blues, growing native plants ,massive tomatoes, and hot peppers in his home garden. He was forever mowing the lawn on his riding lawnmower and his favorite spot was rocking on the porch with cup of coffee watching the birds. He was a voracious reader of all things plants , native cultures, the writings of Whitman, Emerson, and the fiction of Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. New Mexico was his favorite travel destination. He enjoyed many trips out west with friend Pat Cross exploring the deserts, lighting candles at Chimayo church, eating all the chiles, taking in local art and inevitably laughing and changing many a flat tire on a back road to adventure. 

Jerry was unconditional love, generous to all, warm hugs, a deep reassuring voice, family storyteller, deep listener and thinker, curious about the world and a lifelong learner. Those that knew and loved him will miss him terribly but keep his spirit and memory alive in their hearts. We know we will see you again. Keep the porch light on for us.

He is predeceased by his parents Alta Chambers and Ira Roberts, brothers Jimmy and Kenny Roberts, and nephew Joe Tackett. He is survived by his daughter Jessica Roberts (Alicia Bethany) and grandaughters Gracen Roberts-Locke and Lex Bethany of Gorham, Maine. Sister Judy Tackett , Brothers Billy (Lequieta) Roberts, Danny (Sharon) Roberts, Scotty (Henrietta) Roberts, sister Brenda (Jeff) Eubanks , nieces and nephews Rebecca (Gage)Brasher, Bridget( Scott) Sullivan, Toby(Shanna)Roberts, Kelsea (Johnallen) Lee, Preston(Cassie) Eubanks, Kalie Roberts, Lindsay(Jon)Copeland, Michael (Diane)Reynolds, Gavin Roberts, Kevin Roberts, Kimberly Vaughan, David Roberts, and Chris Roberts, many grand nieces and nephews, and friend/brother at heart Bob West.

Special thanks to Hospice of Southern Maine, Nurse Annette, and Rev. Tim for your tenderness and compassionate care while helping us honor Dad's wishes. Heartfelt thanks to all family and friends for your unwavering support as we cared for Dad through his cancer care and journey to a peaceful rest.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel in Glenwood, AR with burial at Athens Cemetery to follow.