Jay Russell Roberts of Gainesville, TX passed away on May 21, 2022, at the age of 65. He was born in Gainesville on November 21, 1956, to J.R. and Alma Nadyne Roberts. As the son of a farmer and a teacher, Jay came by his profession naturally. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from East Texas State University in 1979 and a Master of Science in Agricultural Education in 1984. He went on to teach at Nocona ISD and then S&S Consolidated ISD, where he later transitioned into the role of principal. Jay married Laura Yeargan Roberts on December 20, 1986, and the couple raised two daughters together. Jay dedicated over 30 years of his life to his students and received numerous honors over the years from many organizations, including the Texas FFA and the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. He retired from education in 2012 and once again devoted his time to his passion of farming and spending time with his family.
He is survived by wife, Laura Yeargan Roberts; daughter Martha (Eric) Erlandson; daughter Rebecca Roberts; sister Jayne Gayle (Robert) Jennings; grandsons Reid, Damon, and Weston Erlandson; niece Sara Jennings; and a multitude of cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family members whom he loved deeply. Jay is preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Nadyne Roberts.
Jay valued and enjoyed his family, his heritage, the land, education, and farming. He loved taking his grandsons on “gator rides” so they could help tend his gardens. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, Papaw, and friend, and will be greatly missed here on Earth. We look forward to the day when we are reunited once more.
Visitation will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, June 3, at Meador Funeral Home, 1204 E. California Street, Gainesville, Texas. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 4, at First Baptist Church, 308 E. Broadway, Gainesville, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Gainesville, or the Jay Roberts Memorial Fund designated for future scholarships currently set up at First State Bank.
Our thoughts and prayers for Laurie and the Roberts Family. Jay will truly be missed.
Dee & Gayla Blanton
Our thoughts & prayers are with Laurie & the Robert’s family. Rest in peace Jay.
Larry & Dolores Hennesy
He was a true friend and I will miss him very much. I will continue to pray for y’all and look forward to being with Jay in heaven.
Prayers for the Laurie and the family.
Prayers for Laurie and the Roberts’ family. God bless Jay, good man.
Bruce and Elaine Lillard
He was always so good to me!
He will be missed! He taught me a lot!
Sending thoughts and prayers for the family. So sorry for your loss
So sorry to learn this. Mr. Roberts will be missed.
He taught all 3 of my children. He was a very dedicated educator. Always enjoyed talking to Jay. May he Rest In Peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a good man and a good principal to work for.
Laura thinking of you Hugs Judy
Laura and family,
You are in my prayers. Jay was one of the nicest guys I have ever known. He always had a great sense of humor and that sweet smile. Rest in Peace Jay.
Prayers for Laurie & the family . Jay was a quiet , humble & good man . He will be missed .
X
I have had so many memories of my time with Jay.. all of the cousins had a deep love for one another and really enjoyed playing together.. you will be greatly missed.
Jay was a solid faithful man to his God and his precious family. He died doing what he loved, working on his Ranch.
My memories are many, but at almost all of our get togethers he was the meat guy. He made the best brisket you ever put in your mouth. All other meats too. I loved his faithfulness and humbleness.
We already miss your large presence my sweet brother in law.
Till we see each other again,
Love, Sherry Yeargan
We are shocked and hold the Roberts’ immediate and extended family in prayer for God’s mercy and comfort. And we are confident in our Savior, Jesus Christ, as are all who trust in Him.
Thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to the family and especially Laurie.
One of the finest individuals I ever worked with.
Jay is a central figure in so many of my Roberts family memories. He was a great guy and a lovely cousin and will be very much missed by us all.
Jay was a good man! I enjoyed working for him! Always kind and fair. Really enjoyed our talks at lunch. I’m sad to hear of his passing but he touched countless lives!