Harold "Hal" James Roberts' Obituary
My Dad has gone on to his next adventure in heaven. He took the trip on Monday night, June 20th, 2022 in Fayetteville, AR., after previous assurances that he would ask the Lord nicely for the “good seats” by the water, and would save a spot for me.
Known as Hal to the many who loved him, my Dad was born in Chattanooga, TN. on April 11th 1942. Hal was adopted at the age of 6 and raised by Charles “Lee” Roberts and Phyllis L. Roberts in North Hollywood, CA.
My Dad was a renaissance man, who lived many amazing lifetimes in his 80 years here on Earth. Nothing was ever impossible to him. Because of his optimism and energy, Hal had endless stories of his adventures that would put even Bilbo Baggins to shame.
Surfer and general mischief maker, Green Beret wounded in Vietnam, Skateboard Show Manager in the 70’s, Pastor of an inner city street ministry in Hollywood, CA., Missionary to India, Builder of Houses, perpetual Student, Entrepreneur, Inventor, Mentor, Father, Grandfather, Husband, Brother, and Friend to all. Hal looked at every stranger as a future friend, and blazed a path of endless curiosity, enthusiasm, and compassion.
The rest of Hal’s family is still waiting to make the trip to see him again; his wife Ginger Roberts, daughter LySandra Roberts, his grandchildren Zion Denham and Zelda Koenig, and his sister Tammie Crabtree-Davis.
Hal’s family and friends will forever miss his zest for life, his love of a good debate, his council and insight, his irreverent sense of humor, his desire to market every good idea he heard, and his desire to feed everyone steak.
To all of those people out there whose hearts are hurting because of his departure, know that you are not alone. My Dad loved you just as much as you thought he did, and probably more. His kindness and his faith were him at his very core, and they were with him through his last breath. Though he wasn’t happy to be leaving us behind, my Dad was happy to be going to see his Savior face to face. Be at peace family and friends, and know that the love that my Dad had for all of us is eternal.
Instead of having a Memorial service, we will be having a Celebration of Life BBQ with a date to be determined later this summer.
Rather than sending flowers to honor Hal, the Roberts ask that you give out Blessing Bags with your family, or make donations to:
Hope for the Homeless Youth
http://Hopeforhomelessyouth.org
What’s your fondest memory of Harold "Hal"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold "Hal"?
Share a story where Harold "Hal"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold "Hal" you’ll never forget.
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