Gleason Franklin Roberts age 96 of Galax, Virginia passed away Friday, January 5, 2018 in the Hillsville Health and Rehab Center.

Mr. Roberts was born on February 27, 1921 in Carroll County, Virginia to Charlie Washington and Lillie Mae Isom Roberts. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Janice Dotson Roberts; sisters Irene Lineberry; Mabel Melton; Patricia "Pat" Isom and Ruth Hampton; brother Ralph Roberts.

He proudly served his country in the U S Army and was a World War II Veteran. He was a paratrooper in the 101 Airborne Division. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He served in Normandy, Holland Campaign and Battle of the Bulge. After returning home from the service he worked at the Radford Arsenal and Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law David Roberts and Trudy Whitney of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; grandson and wife Brian and Ellen Roberts of Santa Monica, California; sister-in-law Mary Dotson; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel. Burial will follow in the Jennings Cemetery with Military Rites by the Grayson VFW Post 7726. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 PM until time for the funeral service at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request donations be made to either the VFW Post of the donor's choice or to the Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Lane, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, Virginia 22313.