The Shadow
Orren Vaughn Roberts, 92, of 800 Stratton St., died Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at the Brian Center Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Low Moor.
Mr. Roberts was born October 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 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Vaughn had served his country in the United States Navy during World War II serving from December 27, 1945 until October 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, Cyndie Woods all of Covington, and Carol Roberts of Phoenix, AZ, four grandchildren Stacey Kaiser and husband Lance of Wilmington, NC, Travis Bradley of Covington, Brandon Jones of Covington, and Scott Jones and wife Jennifer of Broadway, five great grandchildren Nathan Kaiser of Wilmington, NC, Mia Jones and Emma Jones of Broadway, Desmond Jones and Kayleah Jones both of Covington, several of nieces and nephews, and special caregivers and his beloved cat, Gracie.
The funeral service will be held Friday January 17, 2020, at 1:30 PM in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. William M. Hartsfield officiating assisted by the Rev. Gary Marshall.
The entombment will be held at Alleghany Memorial Park Mausoleum with Graveside Rites presented by the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The family will receive their friends from Noon on Friday until the 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 at 9313 Rich Patch Rd. Covington, VA 24426.
The online guest registration is available at arrittfuneralhome.com.
