Clayton Hayes Roberts, Jr., 82, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 9, 2020 at the Haven-Suwannee Valley Hospice Care Center after an extended illness. He was born in Chiefland, Florida to the late Clayton Hayes Roberts, Sr. and Timmie Harris Daughtry. He has lived in the Lake City area since the 1980’s and was a member of the Watertown Congregational Methodist Church i n Lake City. He was an Automobile Salesman for over 50 years and in his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf, poker and card games.
Not only was he an avid sports enthusiast, he was also an exceptional athlete and tried out for minor league baseball with the Pittsburg Pirates but re-injured his knee from an injury that he had suffered during his senior year which prevented him from following that dream. Instead he turned his attention to coaching. He led several teams to victory in Championship games throughout the years, including the Lee County Championship with the Fort Myers Little League Cardinals in 1969 with his son, Mike. In 1977 and 78 there were the two Lee County Championships with the Fort Myers Little League Red Sox and two Senior League Championships in 1980 and 81 with the Phillies. His proudest moment was coaching the Senior League all-star team to a state title and South Regional Championship in 1981 which led to an appearance in the Senior League World Series in Gary, Indiana.
He knew how to coach and manage a ball team like no other and if you played for him, you gave him your best and you played to win! Whether you knew him as CH, Buddy, Coach Roberts or Chuck, he always had time for a good story and a laugh. He will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Carolyn Roberts of Lake City; sons, Tris Roberts (Mioara) of Naples, Mike Roberts of Lake City, Ric Roberts (Debbie) of Ft. Myers and Ron Roberts ( Amy) of Charlotte, NC; sister, LaDonna Daughtry Boyette (Glenn) of Lake City; step-sons, Rick Griffis (Winnie) of Jacksonville and Greg Griffis (Michelle) of Steinhatchee. 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 niece and 2 nephews also survive.
Memorial services for Mr. Roberts will be conducted on Tuesday, December 15th at 11am, visitation with the family prior to the service from 10-11am at the Watertown Congregational Methodist Church in Lake City with Pastor Randy Ogburn officiating.
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