Raymond D Roberts, age 92 of Denton, Texas, passed away on August 29th, 2024. He was born on December 10th, 1931, to Joe and Grace (Collins) Roberts in Birdville, Texas. From a young age, Ray was attracted to planes and the idea of flying, which inspired him to join the military at age 14. Starting off with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, he then joined the Army Air Corps. Spanning 22 years, Ray's military career included the Berlin Airlift, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War; he served as an airman, mechanic, and flight engineer, retiring as a Major at 37 and earning 27 medals and awards, including the Bronze Star, six Air Medals, and campaign medals for service in Vietnam and humanitarian action during the Berlin Airlift.

After leaving the service, Ray had a long and distinguished career as an entrepreneur, corporate manager, car salesman, aviation administrator, and pilot. He was active in Blacksburg, Virginia, being part of the Rotary, the American Legion, and the County School Board. After moving to Denton, Texas, he ran for both Denton County Judge and Justice of the Peace. He was also part of the local chapter of the Texas Master Gardener Program and was a member of the Berlin Airlift Veteran's Association. Throughout his life, Ray had a passion for gardening, the Air Force, the Republican party, and writing numerous letters to the editor of the Denton Record-Chronicle.

Ray is survived by his current wife, Linda, and their two children, Brandon Roberts (wife Ly, and son Oliver) and Christine Roberts; his first wife, Gloria, and their four children, Raymond Roberts Jr. (daughter Lauren), Leslie Roberts Gregg (husband John, and son Evan), Tracy Roberts Frist (husband Bill), and Shannon Roberts Magenheimer (husband Jason, and sons Jordan and Davis); three great-grandchildren; and his nephew, Stephen Ray Roberts.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joe; his mother, Grace; and his brother, Bob.

There will be a visitation in Denton, Texas, at DeBerry Funeral Directors on September 15th from 1pm-3pm. The funeral service will be at DeBerry's chapel on September 16th at 10am. The interment will follow at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the missions department of Southmont Baptist Church in Denton, or to the charity of your choice.

To view the recording of the service please click on the link below.

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