Charles Durham Roberts

Charles Durham Roberts went home to Jesus through death on January 18, 2023. Born on September 10, 1933 in Greensboro, North Carolina, his parents were Alvis Percy "A.P.” Roberts and Gertrude Lilliam Stout. His grandparents were Samuel Ayers Roberts and wife, Sallie Lou Talley; and Dr. Enoch Lewis Stout and wife, Annie L. Jarrell. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Cummings of Greensboro North Carolina. The last of 11 children, Charles is preceded in death by siblings, Everett Roberts, Alvin “Floyd”, Harold, Alvis Percy Jr., C. Frank, Anna Ruth, Francis Roberts Rainey, William, Mary Louise Roberts Connolly, and James Roberts. Four of his brothers served in World War Two and he honored them with contributions to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. 

Charles was Baptized on June 5, 1945 at Asheboro Street Baptist Church in Greensboro as a profession of faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He became a member of First Baptist Church of Biloxi in 1977. In his youth, he flew model airplanes with his brothers and frequently judged flying competitions. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his friends. In high school, he worked at Kress with his future sister-in-law and also with his father who was a painter and contractor. After graduating from Greensboro High School, he joined the US Air Force and became an avionics technician at Keesler Air Force Base. While in Biloxi, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Cummings. He continued on active duty and served 26 years in the Air Force with stations around the world in various commands like SAC, TAC, MAC, and ATC. While in the military, he enjoyed being part of the squadron championship volleyball teams, the weapons loading competition team, and often played in pinochle tournaments. His many accomplishments include the Air Medal, Air Force and Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He ended his Air Force career as Avionics Com-Nav NCOIC. After retiring from the military, he graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science.  He was a charter resident of the city of D’Iberville and was employed at the Biloxi VA Hospital prior to his retirement. 

He is survived in death by his children, Charlann and Chad Kirchen of Lawton, Oklahoma; Dale and Sandra Roberts, of Huntsville Alabama; eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Friends are invited to visit at 12 pm. Interment will be at Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 10 am.

The family expresses gratitude to Hospice of North Alabama and the staff and residents of Regency Retirement Village and Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home for their loving care as Charles progressed through the stages of dementia. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charles Durham Roberts.