Mr. Lee Roy Roberts, who was born on Nov. 15, 1940 in Lacassine, La., to the late Della Dugas and the late Lawrence Roberts, transitioned to his heavenly home on Dec. 27, 2024, at the West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, La., after heroically battling COPD/emphysema for more than 25 years. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.

After courting the love of his life, Ms. Flora Mae Charles for almost five years, he proposed marriage, and upon her acceptance, they were united in matrimony on July 19, 1969 at St. James Baptist Church in Roanoke, La. Subsequent to their marriage, two children were born, namely, La Koshia, Reconda, and Flozelle Calandra. Lee Roy had a deep, unconditional and unwavering affection and love for his wife and his girls. The bond of “the Roberts square” will never be broken.

Lee Roy was a man of immense humor and wit. He was a person who could make people laugh a little louder or smile a little brighter. His cheerful smile would often shine through even when his physical health was not well.

Lee Roy enjoyed fishing, listening and dancing to zydeco music, collecting coins, playing Solitaire and cornhole, solving crossword puzzles, watching old westerns and repeatedly watching The Green Mile and Titanic every time they were on television. He was truly a connoisseur of all things related to Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, ZZ Hill, and the like. For over 20 years, Lee Roy was an avid, award-winning league bowler. He also played on multiple baseball teams with local teams, as well as his then-employer, PPG Industries. Lee Roy’s civic involvement included service as a board member of the Foreman-Reynaud YMCA and as a member of the Lake Charles Lions Club.

In 2005, Lee Roy reigned as King of the Mardi Gras Krewe of the Golden Years, and his wife, Flora, reigned as his queen.  He thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities and revelry that were experienced during and after his reign.  

Lee Roy was a graduate of Jefferson Davis High School. He later attended Sowela Technical College. In 1968, he was hired at PPG Industries, with his employment there ending with his retirement in 1999 after having triple bypass surgery. 

Lee Roy’s belief in God was nurtured as a member of the Methodist faith from his early childhood until March 21, 1976 when he was baptized by the Rev. Harvey Lawson at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. Lee Roy excitedly served as an usher at Mount Pilgrim until his health forced him to discontinue his service. He was also a member of the Mount Pilgrim Laymen Department.

Those left to remember his loving and caring nature, infectious smile and unmatched goodness and kindness are his wife of 55 years, Flora Mae Charles Roberts, of Lake Charles; his twin daughter, La Koshia Reconda Roberts Esq. of Lake Charles, and his baby daughter, Flozelle Calandra Roberts of Port Arthur, Texas; one uncle, Martin (Elvenia) Dugas of Lacassine, La.; sister-in-law, Eva Davis of Iowa, La., as well as, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Lee Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Della Dugas Brown and Lawrence Roberts; his stepdad, Ivy “Blue” Brown; his brother, Curley Davis; his maternal grandparents, Bertha and Desire Dugas, who were instrumental in his upbringing, and his paternal grandparents, Dora Mae and Frank Roberts.

The celebration of Lee Roy’s life will be held on Jan. 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lake Charles. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Entombment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery Mausoleum under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.