Gene W. Robarts

Mr. Gene W. Robarts, 86, of Lake City, passed away on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Baya Pointe Nursing Center following a lengthy illness. Mr. Robarts was born in Lake City, Florida to the late G.W. “Wash” and Ruth Hunter Robarts and grew up in Lake City and Live Oak. Mr. Robarts was a graduate of Columbia High School Class of 1949 and then he attended Young Harris College and the University of Florida, where he pledged Pi Kappa Alpha prior to enlisting in the US Navy. While serving in the Navy for 4 years during the Korean War, he survived a series of explosions on the Aircraft Carrier the USS Bennington, which was the 2nd worst ship disaster not involving enemy action. After his Navy service, he attended Florida State University, where he became a lifelong Seminole Fan. He was a past Commander of the American Legion Post #57, Kiwanian, and a member of the Lake City Seminole Booster Club. He sang in the Choir for many years at First United Methodist Church, and enjoyed watching sports, reading, and completing two crossword puzzles daily. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Julian Robarts.

Mr. Robarts is survived by his wife of 59 years, Emily Robarts of Lake City; daughters, Debra Smith (Brock) of Cumming, GA, and Brenda Tillman (Keith) of Roswell, GA; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Willhoit of West Columbia, SC, and Lu Ann Turner (Dan) of Anderson, SC; grandchildren, Kristen Schultze (Brandon) of Alpharetta, GA, and Ryan Tillman of Roswell, GA.

Funeral services for Mr. Robarts will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Lake City, with Reverend Jim Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00-7:00 Monday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church (Music Ministry), 973 South Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025 or the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Children's Way, Enterprise, FL 32715. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. HWY 441, Lake City. (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family on the online guest book at www.gatewayforestlawn.com

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