Ben Roberts

Lt. Col.Ben Allen Roberts, age 88, of 3209 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN passed away on Saturday January 24, 2015 at N.H.C Nursing Facility in Johnson City, TN. Lt. Col Ben Allen Roberts was a native of Johnson County and the youngest of the Roberts children of Gray and Venie Stout Roberts. He was preceded in death by six brothers: Tyler, Fred, Bert, Bruce, Ralph, and Shelton, and four sisters: Leta Kate, Mary Nell, Mildred, and Grace. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, a member of Prudential Masonic Lodge #719 of Alcoa, TN and Kerbela Shriner, and was an avid supporter of the Shriner's Hospitals. Col. Roberts graduated from Johnson County High School in 1945, The University of Tennessee of Knoxville in 1953 and the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1960. Col. Roberts retired from the United States Air Force in 1972. He was a command pilot and served in Korea and Vietnam. He also was an electrical engineer and worked in the development and procurement of weapons systems for the Air Force. During his career he was awarded several medals which include The Distinguished Flying Cross, six Air Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals. After retiring from the Air Force he returned to the University of Tennessee of Knoxville where he worked until he retired in 1989. Survivors include: several nieces and nephews, Caris Hospice Caregivers, and a host friends. Funeral Services for Lt. Col. Ben Allen Roberts will be conducted Monday, February 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from the Hux-Lipford Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Campbell officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard. Graveside will follow in the Stout - Roberts Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be sent to his family through our website at www.huxlipfordfh.com Professional Services for Ben Allen Roberts are being provided by the Hux Lipford Funeral Home. 300 west Main Street, Mountain City, Tennessee.