Clyde "Ray" Roberts Jr.

Roberts, Jr., Clyde Raymond “Ray," of Powell, TN, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his beloved family. Ray was born on March 16, 1944 at Norfolk Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA.

Ray is preceded in death by his beloved sons, Mark Raymond and Joseph Daniel Roberts; brother, James Daniel Roberts; mother, Dorothy Willis; Stepfather, Glenn Willis; and in-laws Sam and Della Moore.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 58 years, Mikki Roberts; grandchildren, Sarah Ann, Mark Daniel Roberts, Webster Eugene(Melissa) Sparkman; great grandchildren Grayson, Warren, and Damien Roberts; Sisters, Shirley (Charles) McCarter, Joy Bennett, Glenda Lyons, Linda (Kenny) Beeler, and Pat (Moe)Walker; brother, John Miller; daughter-in-law, Brooke Roberts; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Ray had a successful 20- year career in the U.S. Navy and retired as Command Master Chief of the USS Mt. Whitney in 1980. Ray received many medals and commendations in the Navy and was on the rescue team of Gordon Cooper and Faith 7 on May 15, 1963 space return in the Pacific Ocean. While in the Navy he was chosen to volunteer as an undercover Federal Air Security Specialist (Sky Marshall) from October of 70’ to January 71’ in the Presidents Program to protect passengers on the United States Commercial Aircraft from Air Piracy. After his Naval career he went to college (after only completing 1 year of high school maintaining a 4.0 GPA and on the Presidents List.) Then taught NJROTC and Algebra at Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg FL. After 4 years of teaching, he enjoyed 34 years of driving a truck across the country.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel, 2000 Powell Drive, Powell, TN 37849