Benjamin Douglas ‘Buddy’ Roberts was born on September 6, 1930 in Chilton County, AL, the last of Victoria and Benjamin Roberts’ four children. Victoria died when Buddy was five months old. Ben was unable to care for his infant son, so Buddy went to live with his uncle Norman Roberts and his wife Sally. Norman and Sally adopted Buddy, and he spent his early childhood on their farm.
The family moved to Clanton, AL, where Buddy attended high school and played football. He graduated from Chilton County High School in 1948. That summer, Buddy attended a wedding reception where he found himself in a circle of friends listening to a World War II veteran telling war stories about life aboard a Navy destroyer. The veteran indicated that he had been offered and accepted an appointment to the Naval Academy. Buddy interjected that he would like to attend a service academy; there was no response however, so Buddy assumed he did not hear him. The next day, as Buddy and a group of friends were hanging around town, the pay phone rang. It was the veteran. “Which one?” Shocked that he actually had heard him—and wishing he could take his words back—he blurted “Army,” thinking an old Navy guy would only be interested in helping with an appointment to the Naval Academy. The nomination arrived in the mail, and the journey to West Point had begun.
Buddy took the entrance exams but did not pass. Math was the problem, so he made a detour to Marion Military Institute (MMI), Marion, AL from 1949 to 1951. While attending MMI, he was a member of the football team and on the dean’s list. Buddy passed the West Point entrance exams and joined the Long Gray Line, Company I-1, on July 1, 1951. His classmates quickly learned to admire his Southern charm, his keen sense of right and wrong, his consistently positive attitude, his unyielding persistence, and his determination, and they valued his helpful, caring, and loyal friendship.
During Christmas break 1954, Buddy met Beverly Bennett from Montgomery, AL, the daughter of Burns and Fairy Bennett. They married on July 21, 1956 and had three children: Benjamin Douglas Roberts, 1957; Mary Lisa Roberts, 1959; and Kenneth Johnson Roberts, 1963.
Over a 21-year career, Buddy had many and varied assignments, including Army flight school, both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Thereafter, he was assigned to Fort Carson, CO, 9th Infantry Division. He served in Korea twice, first with the 7th Infantry Division and later with Aviation Systems Command, for which he served on a three-year tour alternating between Korea and St. Louis, MO. Buddy also served twice at Fort Eustis, VA, where he transferred from Infantry to Transportation Corps. In 1961, he attended the University of Texas in Austin where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. He served twice in Alaska. The first tour in 1964 was at Fort Wainwright with the 18th Cargo Helicopter Field Maintenance Division and then in 1967 at Fort Richardson with the 19th Aviation Battalion. In 1965, Buddy served in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division. He also served at the Air Test Activity Division at Edwards AFB, CA in 1970–71. His final assignment was with the Advanced Helicopter Project Manager’s Office in Saint Louis.
Buddy retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel in 1976. During his years on active duty, he received many awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, numerous air medals, and the Purple Heart.
Upon retirement, Buddy moved back to Clanton to be close to his elderly parents. He also immersed himself in all things technical, buying all of the latest, greatest computers, scanners, gadgets, etc. He vigorously pursued his love of music, photography, wine, reading, gardening, woodworking, and cooking.
The untimely deaths of his biological sisters spurred his passion for family research, which became his life’s work. His research led him all over the Southeast, from courthouse to library, to visits with long-distance relatives. He compiled and published the Chilton County Cemetery Census, which is now at the Clanton Library. After the death of his parents, Buddy moved to Deatsville, AL, but he remained close to his extended Johnson and Roberts families. He loved old movies, politics, and football; specifically, Army Football and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Buddy had the best smile. His whole face would light up, and his eyes would twinkle. You knew he was genuinely happy to see you. He had a tough, rigid side; but underneath that exterior was a warm, loving gentleman. He was sensitive and cared very deeply for those he loved. He truly enjoyed his friendships and was dedicated to maintaining them. Buddy was forever curious and eager to learn and research new things every day. He had gusto for life and great pride in his country. He was a pillar of strength to his family, possessed great intelligence and superior organizational skills. He was a meticulous record keeper, and the way he chronicled his life has been a wonderful testament to him.
Buddy’s last battle was lung cancer, which he developed in November 2013. He died on January 12, 2014. His remains are buried at the National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. His grave marker is inscribed “Go Army–Beat Navy!”
Buddy is survived by his wife, Beverly; two sons, Benjamin Douglas Roberts Jr. and Kenneth Johnson Roberts; a daughter, Mary Roberts King; two grandsons, Taylor and Conner King; and two granddaughters, Simone and Nadia Roberts.
Be Thou at Peace, Thy Good and Faithful Servant.
— Mary Roberts King (Daughter)