Ellis "Sam" Roberts

ROBERTS, Ellis, “Sam” 71 of Temple Terrace, FL passed away Wednesday June 28, 2017 with his family by his side at Moffitt Cancer Center. He was born September 18, 1945 in Tampa, the son of Evelyn and Ellis Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dewey. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth “Sissy” Roberts; daughter, Sara Lyders (Devin); son Logan Roberts (Jessica); grandchildren, Katelyn and Scott Lyders; Lane, Luke, and Reese Roberts; sisters-in-law Mary Snow (Mike) and Mary Alice Roberts; and nieces and nephews. Sam was a 1963 graduate of Hillsborough HS, attended USF, and graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in Business and Economics. During the Vietnam War, he proudly served his Country in the Air Force and was among a uniquely trained select group of weathermen attached to the US Strike Command – Joint Task Force from 1969-1970. Sam served with the Air Force Combat Control Team attached to the Army 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions where he earned his senior jump wings, his jump masters qualifications, and the Joint Services Commendation Medal. Sam then joined the IBM Corp as a salesman and retired in 2010 after a 40 year career serving in multiple capacities. Sam was a member of St. James Methodist Church and past Board of Trustees of Hyde Park United Methodist Church. Other affiliations included Scoutmaster of Troop 3, US Airborne Association, American Legion Post 334, Rotary International, Arete & Phi Delta Theta (USF). Sam enjoyed boating and fishing, watching his daughter in dance recitals and performing on the dance teams in high school and college (UCF), following his son’s baseball career in high school and college (FSC), and spending time with his beloved grandchildren who called him “GrandDaddy”. Sam was a true Southern gentleman who never met a stranger, loved to tell his stories, always had a smile on his face and was loved by many. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 PM, Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Blount and Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel. The family will receive friends for 1 hour prior to the service.