Gary Edward Roberson of Geneva, Alabama passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, with his loving wife of 42 years, Rhonda, at his side at the age of 61 years old on November 5th, 2026, at 3:20 a.m.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Trinity Church in Geneva, with Dr. Allen Marsh and Rev. Gene Hauser officiating. Burial will be at Leddon Cemetery in Geneva with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 1:00 PM.
Gary was born to the late Edward James and Shirley Mae Roberson on Maxwell Air Force Base on the 16th of November 1964. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Teresa Poe (Allen) and sister Jamie Roberson and his brother-in-law Steve Hartline.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Rhonda Smith Roberson, his four sons: Austin Lee Roberson (Shannon) of Geneva, William Kalep Roberson (Ashley) of Romania, Cason Tucker Roberson of Pensacola, and Michael Wayne Connell. Seven grandchildren, Casiana, Jacob, Aiden, Adeline, Ethan Roberson, Reagan and Lane Connell of Columbiana. He is survived by his brothers Mark Roberson (Rebecca), Craig Roberson (Mary), two brothers-in-law, Mark and Jason Smith (Kaci), sister-in-law, Lynn Hartline, Uncle James Smith (Barbara) his aunts: Billie Jean MacNeal, Sara McNeal, and Irene McNeal. He also leaves behind beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory. Along with his canine companion Saban who held a special place in his heart.
Gary was a loving & present father, grandfather, & husband. He & Rhonda met at the arcade in Columbiana, AL in 1982, where it’s been long disputed as to who was chasing who (the verdict’s still out). Though one thing is for certain they were married on the 28th day of April 1984 at Rhonda’s childhood home in Geneva, AL. Gary and Rhonda’s love was an undeniable example for their boys of what marriage is supposed to be. They built a home for over 42 years, teaching their sons how to live with strength, love, and respect. He supported his family in all that they applied themselves to and they will love him forever for it.
He earned the moniker, “Hacksaw” early in his professional life in the offshore oil rigs in the gulf because he could cut it. When it was too hard for everyone else, it was just right for him. Over the course of his life, he was unafraid of taking on his own businesses from stucco & construction to owning and operating his own restaurant & catering business. Gary was a skilled craftsman, cook, salesman, student, and instructor of aviation. Gary was most proud of his time as a sheet metal technician in the aviation industry and instructor at Alabama Aviation College in Ozark, AL. He wore many hats & was always a capable student with a model work ethic no matter where he applied himself. But he really loved his aviation & roughneck years the most.
Gary was known for his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor and his love for storytelling. He had a special way of bringing laughter and smiles to those around him, leaving everyone with a story to remember and memories to be cherished.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made to Trinity Church of Geneva or to the ongoing mission work of his son, Kalep Roberson and his family in Romania at https://givebutter.com/robersons-in-romania-cmlunx
