Michael N. "Mike" Roberts, Sr.

Michael Neal “Mike” Roberts, 78 of Lake City, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center. A native and lifelong resident of Lake City, Mr. Roberts was a son of the late Otis P. Roberts and Eloise Markham Roberts. Mr. Roberts was a graduate of Columbia High School class of 1967 where he lettered in track. He furthered his education at Lake City Community College and served our country in the United States Army including one tour in Vietnam. Mr. Roberts was an avid Columbia High School sports and Florida State football fan. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, wood working and could fix almost anything. Mr. Roberts was a member of Gideons International and a longtime member of Hopeful Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir. Mr. Roberts worked for many years with the Columbia County Road Department as the Director of Public Works. Papa Mike enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and grandchildren. Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his parents; and two wives, Julie C. Roberts in 1992 and Patricia A. “Patsy” Roberts in 2018; one son, Jerry DePratter; and one brother, Bobby Roberts.

Survivors include his wife, Dr. Marty Cox Roberts, Lake City; children, Michael Neal Roberts, II, Lake City, Charlene Rollins, Daytona Beach, FL, Joey DePratter (Brenda), Tony Cason, Dr. Lorrie Wheeler (Brad), Paula Griffin (Bryan) all of Lake City; Jason Criss (Rachel), Gainesville and Troy Criss, New York, NY; brother, Otis Roberts, Jr. (Lorraine), Lake City; sister-in-law, Janet Roberts, Lake City; grandchildren, Payton Roberts, Drake Roberts, Dominic Pippio (Angel), Tyler Rollins, Elizabeth Lawrence, Lacey DePratter, Morgan DePratter, Bryce DePratter, Jerrilyn DePratter, Holly Wheeler Cowen (Charlie), Haley Wheeler Davis (Josh), B.J. Wheeler (Hanna), Hanna Wheeler Anschultz (Nick), Cason Griffin (Aleigh), Corey Criss (Reese), Taylor Criss, Brian Criss and Brandon Criss; many great-grandchildren who were adored; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Roberts will be conducted on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Hopeful Baptist Church with Dr. Rodney Baker and Dr. Billy Young officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hopeful Baptist Church.