At the age of five, Sam Roberts accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and launched a lifelong path to follow the precepts of scripture. He adopted the humility written of in Philippians 2 to imitate Christ and place others before himself – committing to the Lord, his wife, family, and his job. He lived in the light of God’s presence, so that his light would shine into the lives of others. Sam’s was a life well lived.
Sam passed into the Lord’s care Tuesday, March 15, 2022. He was 73.
Born December 19, 1948 in Harlan, Kentucky to parents Joseph Samuel Roberts, Sr. and Alma M. (Earles) Roberts, Sam graduated from Paul G. Blazer High School (Ashland, KY) in 1966. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from Morehead State University in 1971, and though he had plans to move to Clearwater, FL to teach, he immediately accepted a position with Empire Steel in Portsmouth as a supervisor. Sam loved the steel mill – and everything about the process of making steel – and Empire transferred him to the Mansfield plant in 1980. With 35 years of service to Empire and AK Steel, “Safety Sam” retired in 2003 – and then a year later returned to serve as a consultant.
In 2005 he began working alongside (then) Lexington High School Athletic Director John Harris as Event Coordinator – a post he held until June 2020.
He was a member of Lexington High School Athletic Boosters – a big fan of Lexington Minuteman sports – and enjoyed all athletic events. His blood ran blue for the Kentucky Wildcats, and he golfed on the Wednesday open league at Pebble Creek as well as the Steel Mill League – winning numerous championships.
Sam was a member of Berean Baptist Church, where he served the congregation as usher, and taught Junior High Sunday school for many years. He previously served as a deacon at Lexington Baptist Church. He was a member of The Gideons, Lexington Lions Club, Shriners, and member and past master of Bellville Lodge #376 F&AM.
“Let me tell you a story about when I was a boy in Kentucky…” was a common introduction to his storytelling. Sam never met a stranger and excelled at pursuing and maintaining relationships – always in a good mood, he exuded kindness and a smile as wide as his Kentucky home. Nicknamed “The Colonel”, Sam was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Remembered for his patience, Sam was a true man of God who strived to follow Christ. Through every trial, Sam used it as an opportunity to be thankful – he never complained (well maybe about leftovers) – but used the trial as a way to grow deeper in his faith.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Sherry (Wireman) Roberts; their son Joseph Samuel (Kendra) Roberts, III of Cincinnati; grandchildren Samuel Charles Roberts and Sophia Lynn Roberts; brother Terry Roberts; father-in-law and mother-in-law Forest and Patricia Wireman of Ashland, KY; brother-in-law Alan Wireman of Ashland, KY; cousin Jim (Pat) Dixon of Cincinnati; and a circle of cherished friends!
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Roberts.
The Roberts family will receive guests Friday April 1, 2022 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A worship service – giving glory to God for the life of Sam Roberts – will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11 a.m. in Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Road, with Pastor Tim Armstrong. Interment will be in Lexington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sam’s memory to the Missions Fund of Berean Baptist Church or Lexington High School Athletic Boosters, may be made at the funeral home.
The family gratefully acknowledges the companions, nurses and staff of Wedgewood Estates and the staff at OhioHealth Infusion Center as well as OhioHealth Hospice for their love and care.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Roberts family. Share a note of support with them – and watch Sam’s tribute video.
