John Edward Roberts, Jr.

Colonel John Edward Roberts, Jr, US Air Force, Retired, born June 28, 1936, in Knoxville, TN died peacefully on January 31, 2025, at the age of 89. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce Turner Roberts (married September 5, 1959), and parents Eleanor L. and John E. Roberts, Sr.

He is survived by his son, Dr. John E. Roberts III (Karyn), and two granddaughters: Natalie Roberts-Tafur (Alejandro) and Emily Roberts-Burmeister (Joseph). As a youth he rafted the Tennessee River and was honored as The Boy’s Club 1953 “Boy of the Year.” He graduated from the University of Tennessee as a commissioned Air Force Officer through ROTC and embarked on his journey as a pilot in the USAF Strategic Air Command (SAC), a Command Pilot, and an exchange pilot with the Navy. He served at the Pentagon for the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, before taking his position as commander at Pratt and Whitney in West Palm Beach, FL, after which he retired and became a successful entrepreneur.

A family graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 13, 2025, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Larry Woods officiating, with full military honors by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.