Willie D. Roberts, Sr., 79, of Rock Island, passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at his home. Funeral services will be 11:00am Tuesday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4 to 6pm on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Rock Island National Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Moline American Legion Post #246. Memorials may be made in care of the family, American Cancer Society or the Alzheimers Association.

Willie Dee Roberts was born on May 12, 1936 in Homer, Louisiana, a son of Roy Sr. and Mary Howard Roberts. Willie grew up in Louisiana and relocated to the Quad Cities in the early 1960s. Willie served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked as an iron pourer at the John Deere Foundry for over 33 years, retiring in 1992. He married Betty Coleman on May 12, 1994 in Rock Island.

Willie loved growing up on the farm and fishing. He often spent time tinkering with cars, gardening and working around the house. He was a proud family man and a dedicated employee who loved his job. Willie was a member of People's Missionary Baptist Church, Rock Island.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty; children, Willie Roberts, Jr., Wylinda Johnson, Melissa Cook, Lynn Anthony Roberts, Paula Coleman, Nanda Roberts and Michelle Roberts; siblings, Curtis Roberts, Leonard (Mattie) Roberts and Joe Lee (Zelma) Roberts; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Elton Ray Roberts; brothers, Roy Roberts, Jr. and Colonius Roberts; a granddaughter and a great-grandson.