Captain A. L. "Robby" Roberts
Ardice Lamar Roberts August 16, 1923 - February 5, 2017
Ardice Lamar (Robby) Roberts, 93, a loving father, grandfather, uncle and WWII veteran, passed away on February 5, 2017. Robby was born on August 16, 1923 in Crocketville, SC and was a long-time resident of Tampa. During his service in the Army Air Corp, our Dad flew P-38 Lightning fighter planes in the North Bismarck Philippine Campaign, earning 5 Bronze Service Stars and an Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Thank you, Capt. Roberts, for your service for our country. He is survived by his 4 daughters: Anne Warner (Graham); Victoria Roberts (Richard); Renee Sanchez (Jim) and Cynthia Carbonell (Armando); his nieces and nephew (Jennifer, Katy and Terry); his grandchildren: Todd Warner (Dena); Kimberly Guy; Rick Carbonell (Denise); 5 great-grandchildren; and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, 2 sisters, and 1st (Norma) and 2nd (Josie) wives. Robby had a distinguished career in pharmaceuticals. Our Dad was deeply spiritual, loved telling good jokes, fishing with Joe, Friday poker games, family reunions at Buck and Nell’s, playing harmonica, Cuban food and the company of his family.
“We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, as they prepared for their journey and waved good-bye and ‘slipped the surly bonds of Earth’ to ‘touch the face of God.’”
From: Vicki Roberts [mailto:vickirob@earthlink.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2017 3:02 PM
Subject: A.L. Robby Roberts
Hello Major Ritter—
My father, Robby Roberts, who was a very wonderful man and P-38 fighter pilot in WWII, died on Feb. 5, 2017.
He was a man of great integrity, who stayed in touch with a number of members of your organization over the years, and never tired of talking about his love and respect for them. He lived a very full life and only recently (about a year ago) moved into an assisted living facility, where he was well known for his affinity for P 38s. We think he was the youngest pilot to ever fly a P 38 and he never hesitated to let his friends know. He remained fairly well until his last few days and died a happy 93 years old.
I attended a Squadron Reunion in Destin, FL some years back with my Dad, and was amazed at the many people who came up and talked to him. What a wonderful organization. I think that was the last reunion he attended.
I am hoping that you all still send the newsletter out and that you might mention him in an upcoming one.
Please hear my utmost respect and admiration for all of the people from the 80th Squadron. You all have been a part of my life since I was a small child.
Fondly, Vicki Roberts
Ladies and Gentlemen, you most certainly will not live forever. Neither will the friends and comrades you made in the service. That is why we hold reunions.