James Sylvanus Roberson, 88, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, at his home.
He was born at home October 19, 1937, and lived all his life on the same farm in Pierce County, where he and his wife, Alyce, raised their family. They enjoyed over 66 years of living and working together.
He graduated from Blackshear High School in 1956. He was called for Reserve Duty in the USAR in 1957.
Known as a hardworking man, he began working at the age of seven, by driving a horse and wagon in the tobacco fields for 25 cents a day. He sold produce and fish, worked at Pierce Trading Company and Wall’s Grocery before opening Roberson Abattoir in the 1960s, which he ran for over 40 years. He was one of the founders of Southside Volunteer Fire Department where he served as fire chief. Other business adventures included Sunshine Foods and Roberson Hay Farm. He also farmed for many years and loved growing a vegetable garden every year. He loved sharing his vegetables with friends and family and giving a daily update on their growth.
He also loved hunting and fishing and was one of the founders and presidents of Blue Lake Hunting Club. He and his family also spent many weekends fishing at his get-aways on both the Satilla and St. Mary’s Rivers over the years. He loved sharing hunting and fishing stories and may have embellished his stories a little.
Most importantly, he loved the Lord and never missed church or prayer meeting until his health started failing. He attended St. John’s UMC and served as a Trustee for many years until moving his membership to South Gate Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Deacon Chairman. He loved attending Brotherhood dinners and he and his wife spent many days visiting the sick and elderly.
He was a loving husband and father that instilled strong values into his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jane Herrin Roberson and Joseph Edwin “Ed” Roberson. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Georgette Roberson and his brother, WA “Bill” Stewart.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Alyce King Roberson; his children, E.L. Roberson (Sheila Rowell), Jimmie Rae (Robbie) Roberts, and Danny (Karen) Roberson; grandchildren, Philip (Tanya) Roberson, Payton Roberson, Drew Thigpen, Justin (Jamie) Roberts, Raymond Roberts and Ansleigh (Dusty) Godwin; great-grandchildren, Mason, Madox, and Maylee Roberson, Mia, Leila Ruth and Liza Rae Roberts and Dawson Godwin; sister and brother-in-law, Sonja and Dewayne Tuten, Wanda Peacock, Geraldine Walley and Gloria King and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Visitation will be held from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will be in Enon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Miracle League of the Okefenokee, 6705 Southside Drive, Blackshear, GA, 31516.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Roberson family during this time.
