Anthony “Tony” Jackson Roberts was born on June 21, 1961, in Branson, Missouri, to William “Bill” (Pop) Roberts and Betty Essary Roberts.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Roberts; his mother, Betty Essary Roberts; and his sisters, Carolyn Roberts and Rhonda Green.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Debra “Debbie” Roberts. Their story began many years before they became husband and wife. Tony and Debbie first met while attending Forsyth High School in Forsyth, Missouri, where they both graduated. After high school, life took them in different directions, but years later, their paths crossed once again. Tony moved to Naylor, Georgia, in 2010 to join Debbie, and on November 26, 2010, they were married in a small chapel in Taneyville, Missouri, a place that holds special meaning for both of their families. This November would have marked their sixteenth wedding anniversary.

Tony is also survived by their five children: Rebecca (Justin) Shipp of Beebe, AR, Jessica (Daniel) Jones of Taneyville, MO, Jennifer (Klynt) Brice of Ozark, MO, Morgan (Kristen) Lightsey of Valdosta, GA, and Aaron (Pate) Lightsey of Lake Park, GA .

He was a proud grandfather to Josiah “Si” Shipp, Kidron Shipp, Atty May Shipp, Jed Shipp, Lexi Bentley, Aidan Jones, Riley Jones, Cloud Jones, Dempsey Brice, Charlie Lightsey, Jedd Lightsey, Nicholas “Nick” Lightsey, Maggie Lightsey, and Turner Lightsey; and a proud great-grandfather to Ily Bentley and Louise Bentley.

Tony is also survived by his mother-in-law, Cora Lee Burkhart; sister-in-law, Stacie Lush; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Tony, it was that he knew how to work. Hard work was simply part of who he was. As a teenager, he spent his time mowing yards and baling hay, and that strong work ethic followed him throughout his life. Over the years, Tony was never afraid to take on a difficult job. He worked alongside his dad on the railroad, worked at a coal plant, laid brick, chopped wood, and did whatever needed to be done.

Eventually, Tony found what would become his true calling as a heavy equipment mechanic. His career in the field began with Brundage-Bone Concrete in Springfield, Missouri, and ultimately brought him to United Rentals in Valdosta, Georgia, where he worked alongside a group of coworkers who became some of his favorite people.

But Tony will be remembered for far more than how hard he worked.

He will be remembered for his smile and unmistakable laughter, his sense of humor, and for always being quite the jokester. One of his favorite T-shirts he wore said it best: “They call me Papa, because Partner in Crime makes me sound like a bad influence.” He will be remembered for the friendships he made everywhere life took him and for the many people in both Missouri and Georgia who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Most of all, Tony will be remembered for the love he had for his family. He loved Debbie deeply, and he loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren immensely. His family was an important part of who he was, and the love, laughter, stories, and memories he leaves with them will continue long after his passing.

From Missouri to Georgia, Tony built a life filled with hard work, friendship, laughter, and love. His absence will be deeply felt by the many people whose lives he touched, but there is no doubt that stories about Tony and more than a few stories about something he said or did to make everyone laugh will be told for many years to come.

Tony was deeply loved, and he will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Tony will be held on Saturday, August 29 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2 – 3 p.m.

A Celebration of Life for Tony will be held in Forsyth, Missouri, with details to be announced soon. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home