William "Hoover" Roosevelt Roberts

“William Roosevelt Roberts, 91, of Christiansburg, Virginia, known as Hoover to friends and family, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 in his home on Smith Mountain Lake in Penhook, Virginia. Hoover was surrounded by family in his final days, in his room with a view of the lake.

Hoover will be remembered, first, for his kindness and generosity, and second, for his charm, warmth, and ability to make any person laugh. Everyone who met him learned what it meant to be truly listened to, and to be understood. Hoover cared deeply for his family and community. He was a follower and practitioner of the word of Jesus Christ, embodying God in the everyday ways he lived his life. Known as an excellent cook and an amazing gardener, a fisherman and skilled craftsman, Hoover dedicated himself to serving everyone he knew: neighbors, churchgoers, coworkers, and friends. He also served our nation as a veteran of the US Armed Forces. 

Hoover married Sadie Lillian Scaggs in September 1950, when they were both seventeen years old. They shared 73 beautiful years together. When asked what the secret was to maintaining a love like theirs, Hoover laughed and said, “always listen to what she says.”  

Hoover was so very loved and will be greatly missed by his surviving family: his wife Sadie, their son and daughter-in-law Jeff  and Sharon Roberts; grandchildren  Arielle (Jacob) Watkins and Jasey Roberts; great-grandchildren Elijah and Sadie Watkins; sisters Faye Curtis, Peggy Woolwine, and Nancy McGrady; nephews and nieces Larry Roberts, Norma Bamber, Donah Sutherland, Diana Rakes, Jackie Fisher, Linda Raines, Bonnie Ollis, Betty McKay, Ronnie, Carlis (Sharon) Carroll, as well as friends and neighbors who provided immeasurable support, especially dear friend Angel Foley. Hoover is preceded in death by his brothers John Roberts and James “Noblin” Roberts, his sisters Pearl “Sis” Smith, Frances “Pee-wee” Swain, Brenda Custard, Helen “Cookie” Hughes, and his parents Juanita and William “Moot” Wilson Roberts. A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care, especially Melissa Furrow, Jeremy Breaux, and Nicole Caldwell who became like family in their time spent with Hoover. 

 A ceremony to celebrate Hoover’s life will be held this Thursday, February 1st at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg. Visitation will be run from noon to 2pm, with a memorial service to follow. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetary. Services will be led by pastor Jeremy Breaux.”