Dan R. Roberts

Arden – Dan R. Roberts, 78, of Clayton Road, died Saturday, November 20, 2010. Dan was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and a graduate of Valley Springs High School in 1951. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, a member of Long Shoals Baptist Church and served four years active and four years inactive duty in the US Navy during the Korean War. He served as a machinist mate third class on the USS Jason and received the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He graduated from Blanton's Business College in September 1959 and worked for Southern Oil Stores as a district manager. He began working with Carolina Power and Light in 1960 and retired in 1996 after 36 years of service. He opened D&S Carolina Country Storage in 1996. He was preceded in death by his mother, Opal Ruth Richeson Roberts, step-father, Tollie Jack Roberts, Sr.; sister, Mercedes Lily Brown and brother, Steve Wiford Roberts. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maggie Lee Kent Roberts; daughters, Diana Laughter and husband, Jerry, of Fletcher, Debra Presley and husband, John, of Arden; grandchildren, McKenzie Owenby and husband, Wayne, Jacob Laughter and wife, Shannon, Seth Laughter, Mallory Presley and her fiancée, Lane A. Thomas; great grandchildren, Eli Rome Laughter, Moriah Kassidy Owenby and Karlie Reese Laughter. He is also survived by his dog Susie. Dan is loved dearly and will be missed by all. A graveside service will be at 11:00 am Tuesday at Roberts Memorial Park conducted by the Reverend Roger Reardon. At Dan's request there will be no visitation but the family will be at the residence.