William Roberts Obituary

LANCASTER, SC – Mr. William "Fireball" Bryant Roberts, 84 of Lancaster, SC passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his home. Born on March 1, 1941 in Lancaster, SC, William was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who lived a life full of love, generosity, service, sacrifice, and humility.
William lived life to the fullest. He was voted "Best All Around" in high school and was a member and co-captain of the 1959 Lancaster Blue Hurricanes State Championship football team. William served in the United States Navy for four years. He retired from Bowater after 38 years as a Master Craftsman. He also was a former member of the Lancaster Bassmasters.
William cherished spending time with his family, creating memories, laughing, and telling stories that would last a lifetime. As an avid outdoorsman, William enjoyed fishing, woodworking, working in his shop, and gardening. He also enjoyed gathering with his Blue Hurricanes friends. He spent countless hours enjoying his daughters' and granddaughters' dance recitals and ball games. More recently, you could find William playing ball with his great grandson. Not only did William have a larger-than-life personality and outlook on life, but his heart was just as big.
Often considered a gentle giant, always putting others before himself. His legacy of kindness, humor, and his deep compassion of love and sacrifice to his family and strong commitment to others will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
William is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Judy Adair Roberts; two daughters, Donna Faile and Debbie Garner; three granddaughters, Bailey Threatt (Joseph), Sara Ann Faile, and Adair Garner; a great grandson, Hayes William Threatt, a sister Norma Jean Stacks and a large, loving extended family.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Wilburn and Willie Mae Roberts; and a brother, Bobby L. Roberts.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Lancaster on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm with interment to follow in the First Baptist Church Memory Garden. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Memory Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church Lancaster in his memory.
An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com.
Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. William "Fireball" Roberts.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of William "Fireball" Roberts, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.