Obituary of Blanding DeSaussure Roberts

Blanding DeSaussure (Dan) Roberts of Buford, GA, died peacefully at home December 10, 2013. Dan was born in Clarkston on September 17, 1924, one of five sons of the late Samuel Noble Roberts and Frances Boykin Roberts. Following graduation from Boys High in Atlanta, Dan was drafted into the Navy. During his naval service, Dan met and married Ann Thom Williamson of Narragansett, R.I. He attended and graduated from Georgia Tech. Subsequently, he and his twin brother Jimmy Roberts joined their eldest brother Sam, who had recently founded Roberts Engineering Corporation, an engineering and mechanical contracting firm. From 1955 forward, the three brothers played significant roles in bringing the 'luxury' of air conditioning to the inhabitants of a 'hot and humid' Atlanta. Dan's devotion and generosity to family, friends, neighbors and employees was unparalleled. He is predeceased by his parents, three brothers, and grandson Joseph P. Roberts of Grayson, GA. Dan Roberts is survived by Ann Thom Williamson Roberts, beloved wife of 68 years, brother Edward Graham Roberts, sons Blanding D. Roberts Jr. (Melinda), Thom W. Roberts (Nannette), Sam N. Roberts III, daughter Eleanor W. Honeycutt, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A service celebrating the life of Dan Roberts will be held Sunday, December 15th 2:00 PM at St. Mary and St. Martha of Bethany, 4346 Ridge Road, Buford GA 30519, reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dan's memory to Camp Kudzu (campkudzu.org), an organization serving children with diabetes. Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of Dan at www.hamiltonmillchapel.com