Flossie Roberts

Canton, Floyd Melvin "Flossie" Roberts, age 92, of 9 First Street went to be with his beloved Polly surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 5, 2009, at his home. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late J. F. and Texie Silver Roberts. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Pauline "Polly" Liner Roberts, who passed away in September, 2008 and three brothers, Richard, Kenneth, and Maurice Roberts; and a sister, Mary Cogburn. He retired from Champion International with 43 years of service as a boiler headfireman. He was a member of Canton First Baptist Church, the Cooper Sunday School Class, a member of VFW Post 5198, and Snug Harbor Champion Papers Old Timer's Association. "Flossie" was one of the three remaining members of the 30th Signal Company from the date of mobilization on September 16, 1940 until World War II ended in May, 1945. "Flossie" worked with communications during WWII, and was the Chief Switchboard Operator for his division. He fought in five major battles during his tour, including the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, and other invasions in Normandy, France, Belgium, and Holland. "Flossie" and Polly made four trips back to Europe to retrace his movements and visit those he liberated. "Flossie" was a devout supporter and lifetime member of the 30th Infantry Division Association and also served as president of the 30th Signal Company Reunions, Tarheel Chapter for a number of years. Historians of the European Theater Operations rated the 30th Infantry Division as the Number One Outstanding Division. "Flossie" was a true hero and was proud to have served his country in World War II. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and his grandchildren adored their PaPaw. In Flossie's own words "My family is my world." He was known by all for his wit and humorous personality. He is survived by four daughters, Ricki Jackson and her husband, Danny, Rebecca McDowell and her husband, Charles, Donna Wood and her husband, Mike, and Debbie Jenkins and her husband, Keith, all of Canton; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2009, at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Ed Lowder and Mrs. Robin Gosnell officiating. Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens with military honors conducted by the United States Army and the Old Hickory Association. Pallbearers will be members of the Old Hickory Association. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Memorials may be made to Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice, 560 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721

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