Eli Pave Roberts

Eli Pave Roberts, 94 passed away November 11, 2013 in Tallahassee Florida. Eli was born in Sopchoppy , Florida on September 6, 1919 to Vassie Chason Roberts and Obadiah Kelson Roberts. Eli was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Doris Ragans Roberts. He was the third of seven children, survived by his younger brother Tommy Edwin Roberts of Tallahassee, Florida. Eli’s youth was spent in Sopchoppy. From the beginning, his work ethic proved to be strong. Following the sudden death of his Father at the young age of 12, Eli and his older brother Laurice, had no choice but to leave school and begin full time work to support their Mother and siblings. The great depression had engulfed the country and at the age of 14 he began working in Roosevelt’s work program known as the CCC. This federal program primarily built roads, infrastructure and privies in Wakulla County. He was one of the first soldiers selected for service from Wakulla County; in 1941 he began serving in the Air Force during World War II. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Doris Ragans Roberts in 1949, and was soon blessed with two sons, Charles and later Dennis. In 1952, he realized his childhood dream of owning his first service station. His three bay Sinclair station was located at 609 West Tennessee Street. Eli enjoyed driving by this property almost daily, proud in the fact that “where it all began” is still prospering today as the Tomahawk Grill. In 1958, through hard work and determination, Eli and Doris were selected by Sinclair Oil Company to be the local consignee. In 1962, Doris’s Brother Jimmy moved to Tallahassee, and partnered to create Ragans and Roberts Tire which became the largest dealership in north Florida. Through the years, his life was blessed with the deep satisfaction of watching his family and business prosper, great health, and a strong zest for life. Eli is survived by his brother, Tommy Edwin Roberts (Bettye) of Tallahassee; two sons, Charles Roberts, (Pam) of Tallahassee, Dennis Roberts (Nyla) of St. George, Utah; and seven grandchildren, Josh, Clayton, Brandon, (Julianna ) Jordan, Jessie, Tim and Hanna. The family will receive friends Thursday, November 14th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15th at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Sopchoppy United Methodist Church in Sophoppy, Florida, with burial following in West Sopchoppy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida or Sopchoppy United Methodist Church, 10 Faith Avenue, Sopchoppy, Florida.

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Eli Pave Roberts

September 6, 1919 - November 11, 2013