Timothy Aulton Roberts

Timothy Aulton Roberts was born on Wednesday, August 21, 1946, in Ft Worth, Texas. He was born to Vernon and Bertie Lam Roberts. God-fearing, hard-working people who had left farming after the Depression to raise their family in a setting that was different (and better) than how they were raised.

Vernon was a skilled carpenter and quite a handyman. They lived in the home they built. He owned a gas station and was employed for many years at LTV. Bertie worked as a seamstress for very little pay, but taught herself to use a 10-key calculator and earned a job at a bank where she worked for several years, until retirement.

Growing up, Tim’s grandparents lived next door. They had a close family. The kids played outdoors a lot and had neighborhood friends. The Roberts family enjoyed camping and fishing. They took trips from Arkansas all the way to the Texas coast, enjoying time together.


Tim also enjoyed roller skating. When he was recently shown a photo as a young man in a suit and on skates, he was asked about how he became so interested in skating, he replied, “I guess because I was good at it”. (He was a man of few words)

Being raised in a Baptist household, his parents saw to it that they attended church. Tim accepted Jesus as his savior and was baptized at age 12 at Fielder Road Baptist Church, a new church near their home.

Tim was a colorful student. He was always thinking of better, more creative ways to do things. He was great at fixing things, creating things, and he had an incredible memory. He was very good with numbers but didn’t have the patience to spend all day in a seat. There were far more interesting things to see and do beyond those classroom walls. So it was, Tim got most of his education from the school of LIFE.

He joined the Navy on July 1, 1964. He was six weeks shy of his 18th birthday so he fibbed about his age.
He served in this nation’s Naval forces for 3 years during the war in Vietnam. During this time, he was aboard two different ships.

Tim didn’t like to talk much about this time, as many of our Veteran’s don’t, but recently, he did tell daughter, Cheryl, and granddaughter, Jordan, that he enjoyed Tahiti the most.


He was thoughtful enough to send his mother, Bertie and sister-in-law, Sue, each a jewelry box from one of his favorite ports.

When he came home from the Navy he married and had his only child, Cheryl. He loved his wife and daughter, but recently, when reminiscing about things, he confessed that he was young and made some wrong choices.

Tim had several vocations over his life. He worked in the car business at Henry Butts Oldsmobile in Dallas with his brother a couple of different times. At one point, he managed the new car wash and detail center. He also had his own painting company. His attention to detail made him excellent at this endeavor. He was involved in several building projects over the years and, incredible math skills, and engineer-like approach made him an excellent carpenter. He was especially skilled at Southern engineering and could come up with the most creative solutions and inventions, like McGyver. He tried his hand in business and was also part owner of a social establishment (bar) in Bellmead, Texas, for a few years.

But, his latest work took him back to his family roots of farming. He was the on-site manager for the cattle operation started by his brother. Tim lived on the farm, and he seemed to enjoy the freedom and peace and quiet of living in the country. He watched over the cow-calf operation, which was a great relief to Don.


He checked fences, put out feed, kept the Mesquite trees off of the grazing land, doctored cows and calves as needed, and most importantly, kept great records and managed all the moving parts of the farm.

Like all of us, Tim had his limitations, but, his strengths were greater. He was a simple man. A man of few words, but he said what he meant, no filter. None. He was conservative and very frugal. He was an introvert. He could be social with his small circle of friends, but he also enjoyed the peace and quiet of being alone. He didn’t like too much noise, he got annoyed when people talked too much. He was particular and wanted things to be done just EXACTLY how he wanted. And he would tell you just exactly how things should be done. He watched a lot of tv, but only liked a small selection of shows…. He LOVED old western movies…. Like John Wayne and The Lone Ranger. He was very independent and self-sufficient. He didn’t like to ask for help. He was amazing with numbers. His calculations were done quickly and accurately-- in his head. His organizational skills were a blessing. There is a place for everything and everything should be in its place. And then….his dogged determination… If he had it in his head something should be done, there was no changing his mind. This determination served him well as he fought, and won, against life-long addictions. It takes a very strong person to make the life changes that he did.

Tim’s health began to decline about a year ago, he was put on oxygen fulltime for his COPD. He had to slow down and start to ask for more help, which was hard for him. But during this time, it seems that Tim had the opportunity to look at life with a slightly different perspective.

He had the opportunity to reconnect with Cheryl and Jordan. They visited him at the farm, and in his own way, he tried to make peace. He appreciated their visit and talked about it. As Tim was approaching the end of his life, he was scared and anxious, but tried to be brave. He didn’t want to be alone. He appreciated the regular visits from his brother. His niece Becky had always gone out of her way to check on Tim over the years, dropping by with Thanksgiving dinner or special things he needed. She was somehow the designated IT specialist and spent many days getting Tim’s cable set up in his hospice room. And in the final weeks, she was committed to visiting him often. Don, Becky and Terri were devoted to making sure Tim was not alone in his final days. Cousin Joey stopped by to see Tim just a few days before he passed. They shared fond memories of hunting and it was a sweet time. While Joey was there, a pastor stopped by and Joey shared this:

Apparently Tim had asked, at some point, for a Baptist Chaplain to come by. Norma saw it in the notes and said she’d follow up. The Chaplain showed up and Tim was despondent when he introduced himself and asked if he could pray over Tim. Tim didn’t answer. Halfway through the prayer he interrupted and asked for water. We got him the thick water and then the Chaplain continued. Tim interrupted again and said, “let’s get this over with”. The Chaplain asked, “get what over with, Mr. Roberts” and Tim said “my life.” The Chaplain resumed a beautiful prayer over Tim while placing his hand on his shoulder. Tim sat quietly this time, eyes forward. When the prayer was over, the Chaplain asked, “Can I do anything else for you Mr. Roberts? I am here for you.” Timmy extended out with his hand, which was trembling and shook the Chaplains hand. To date the most beautiful handshake I’ve ever witnessed. He went back to being incoherent shortly thereafter.

In his final days, we tried to address his fears and his faith. We asked him questions, talked to him, prayed with him, read the Bible to him, played songs of worship and old gospel hymns. We prayed for mercy, grace and peace, and reminded him of God’s promises of forgiveness and eternal salvation. We believe he was finally at peace.

He is forever in the hearts of his caretakers from the Community Living Center at the VA in Temple, as they are forever in the hearts of his family. His care-givers were dedicated servants. For those who were able to spend time with him over the last few months, he leaves a lasting impression.

There are lessons from Tim and his life that all may take to heart.