John Theodore Roby Jr.

John Theodore ‘Ted’ Roby, Jr., 93, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Houston, Texas. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Ted was born on December 19, 1926 in Erin, Tennessee, to John Theodore Roby and Eleanor Mae Roby. After several moves growing up, Ted’s family settled in Odessa, Texas, where he graduated from Odessa High School. There he was a gifted athlete and enjoyed playing basketball and football. After graduation, Ted was drafted into the Army where he served dutifully during WWII and ultimately ended up as a guard for the Nuremberg trials. Following the war, Ted played basketball for Baylor University for a short period of time, before deciding to return home to his family in Odessa. Soon after returning home, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Jo Wright, on December 15, 1951. Ted and Betty had two children, Rebecca and John Theodore, III ‘Trae’, and in 1958 they moved to Houston, making it their forever home. They joined Memorial Drive Presbyterian church soon after, where he attended faithfully until he was no longer able due to his illness with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Ted spent most of his professional life in sales and sales management for Grove Valve and Regulator Company where he retired as a regional manager. Upon retirement, he worked independently for Roby and Associates until his retirement in 1999. He was a man of the highest integrity and honesty and was highly regarded by his colleagues for his exceptional work ethic and genuine care for the well being of others. Over time, many of these working relationships developed into rich, authentic friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Ted was a devoted family man and an avid sports fan. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his family. He attended almost every game or activity of his children and grandchildren. Very rarely did he miss an event. With his children and grandchildren all attending Texas Tech University, he made many trips to Lubbock to cheer on the Red Raiders. He had a great sense of humor and was always up for enjoying a Dr. Pepper, ice-cream sandwich, or key lime pie with his family and friends. His unconditional love, unwavering faith, and devotion to his family will transcend throughout generations.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Jo Wright Roby of Houston, daughter, Becky Roby Dearmore and husband, David, of Liberty, son, Trae Roby and wife, Amy, of Houston. He is survived by four grandchildren; Josh Dearmore and wife, Jennifer, of Atascocita, Jennifer Sykes and husband, Tanner, of Houston, Travis Roby and wife, Lindsey, of Midland, and Ashley Vogt and husband, Brian, of Katy, and twelve great-grandchildren; McCain Sykes, Ty Roby, Ella Dearmore, Hanna Roby, Sawyer Sykes, Addison Vogt, Claire Roby, Elly Vogt, Jack Dearmore, Cade Sykes, Jake Roby, and Vivy Vogt. Other survivors include, sister, Maida Roby Cook of Erin, Tennessee, sister-in-law Margie Wright, of Chandler, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews – all of whom he loved dearly.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, June 4th at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Chapel at 10:00am. Following the service there will be a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Ted Roby to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or mailed to Alzheimer Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Roby family.