Savannah lost a passionate leader dedicated to bettering his eastside community on Wednesday, with the passing of Willie M. Roberson Jr. at the age of 87, according to friends, family and city aldermen.
The service of Roberson, who had served as the president of the East Savannah Community Organization, was enough to spur recognition by Savannah Alderman John Hall and Mayor Pro Tem Van Johnson during the City Council meeting Thursday.
“The east Savannah community has lost a giant,” Hall said.
A former deacon of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah, the quiet and reserved Roberson was not in the newspapers or on television, Johnson said. People like Roberson worked behind the scenes, garnering the support and respect of their neighbors, to improve their quality of life, he said.
“He was a genuine community leader,” Johnson said.
A native of Millen, the father of 10 moved to Savannah and adopted the city as his home after marrying his wife, Mary, 59 years ago.
Roberson is credited with fighting to get his neighborhood’s streets paved and improving the eastside park. The neighborhood watch member is also remembered for keeping the community’s cemetery clean, mentoring youth, teaching Chatham County jail inmates and doing free handiwork for neighbors.
“The list just goes on and on,” said son John Roberson. “It was just his will to help others.”
The elder Roberson was also a member of The Grand Lodge International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers and was awarded the 50-year veteran medal. He retired after 32 years of service from the American Cyanamide/Kemira chloride plant off President Street.
Roberson’s dedication to his community extended to the upbringing of his children, who he made sure received a thorough education and who all ended up going to college, said one son, Charles P. Roberson Sr.
Charles Roberson, who serves as Senior Pastor of the Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship and chaplain for the Savannah-Chatham police department, said he was inspired by his father.
“He believed in always doing for others more than doing for yourself,” he said.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday at the First African Baptist Church of East Savannah, 402 Treat Ave.