Eugene Osmond Roberts

Eugene “Gene” Osmond Roberts, age 95 of Clayton, went home to be with the Lord on April 6, 2024.  He was born in Howey-In-the-Hills Florida on September 22, 1928 to the late Mattie Jewell Roberts and Arthur Osmond Roberts.

Gene is predeceased in death by his loving wife Helen Grimsley Roberts and his eldest daughter Kathryn Marie Keating.  He is survived by his beloved daughter Linda “Lynie” Baylor & son in law, Steve Baylor.  In addition, he is survived by his “bonus” son, Cliff Veon.  Gene’s legacy is also celebrated by having four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren.

Gene’s high school education was at Bolles Military School in Jacksonville, Florida.  During this time in his life, he spent some of his leisure time as a trick rider in the local rodeo.  His post high school career included time at University of Florida, Florida State University, where he graduated in 1950.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force as a private.  As a result of his military schooling, he quickly was promoted and rose through ranks and received his commission as an officer.  His Air Force career took him throughout the United States, as well as Korea and Japan.  After four years of active duty, he joined the reserve ranks and was discharged as a Captain.  Gene is a veteran of the Korean War.

Once Gene left the military, he returned to Florida where he joined the family business as a citrus grower.  Additionally, Gene was a top salesman in the agricultural industry.   Gene served for 19 years on the board of the Federal Land Bank Association of Orlando.   

Upon retirement, Gene and Helen moved to Clayton where they spent many happy years.  These retirement years provided Gene the opportunity to pursue his passion as a fly fisherman.  Gene went to Alaska for the past 26 years chasing the “wild salmon.”  His last Alaskan fishing trip was in September 2023.  If Gene was not fishing, he was sharing his knowledge and guiding visitors in beautiful Northeast Georgia rivers.  He was an active member of the local Trout Unlimited.

Gene is a 73 year member of the Masonic Lodge 329, Orlando, Florida as well as a Shriner.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org).

The family will have a Celebration of Life service at 11:00am on Friday, April 26th at Clayton Presbyterian Church.  Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements.  If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599.  An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

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