The Shadow
An Alleghany Highlands World War II veteran, contractor and community leader has died.
Orren Vaughn Roberts, 92, of 800 Stratton Street, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, at the Brian Center Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Low Moor.
Mr. Roberts was born Oct. 15, 1927, in Confluence, Pa., the son of the late Joseph Orren and Edith Phillips Roberts.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Gum Roberts in 2015; a son-in-law, Jon Harouff in 1986; three sisters, Ruby Thompson, Maxine McCully and Dora Leah Branham; and a brother, Dale Roberts.
Mr. Roberts was a retired general contractor who had constructed many beautiful homes in the Alleghany Highlands, prior to this he had worked at Hercules.
He was a charter member of Mallow Presbyterian Church, where he had served as an elder and deacon.
He had been attending Temple Baptist Church of recent.
He was active on the board of the Salvation Army and was a member of the Curtis A. Smith Post No. 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Vaughn had served his country in the United States Navy during World War II serving from Dec. 27, 1945 until Oct. 28, 1947, and had been stationed in Guantanamo Bay during his time.
After serving active duty, he spent over seven years with the United States Naval Reserve.
He had developed and operated one of the earliest recreational campgrounds on Smith Mountain Lake in the late 1960’s known as Fort OV Roberts.
Family and friends spent many summers on the lake where he taught numerous people how to water ski, boat and fish.
He was an avid hunter and some of his happiest times were spent with his good friends Jim Sizemore and sons and family at the hunting camp on the mountain.
Mr. Roberts also enjoyed having yard sales, antiquing, stamp collecting and traveling with friends and family.
Surviving are his three daughters, Angela Jones and husband Dennis and Cyndie Woods, all of Covington and Carol Roberts of Phoenix, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Stacey Kaiser and husband Lance of Wilmington, N.C., Travis Bradley of Covington, Brandon Jones of Covington and Scott Jones and wife Jennifer of Broadway; five great-grandchildren, Nathan Kaiser of Wilmington, N.C., Mia Jones and Emma Jones of Broadway and Desmond Jones and Kayleah Jones, both of Covington; several nieces and nephews; special caregivers; and his beloved cat, Gracie.
A funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the the Rev. William M. Hartsfield officiating assisted by the the Rev. Gary Marshall.
Entombment will be held at Alleghany Memorial Park Mausoleum with Graveside Rites presented by the Curtis A. Smith Post No. 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The family will receive their friends from 12 noon Friday until service time.
Pallbearers will be Steve Sizemore, Doc Sizemore, Brandon Jones, Scott Jones, Larry Washburn and Danny Hiner.
The family suggests that memorial contributions in Mr. Roberts name be made to the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, Va. 24426.
The online guest registration is available at arrittfuneralhome.com.
