Orren Vaughn Roberts, 92, of 800 Stratton St., Covington, Virginia died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Brian Center Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Low Moor.
Mr. Roberts was born October 15, 1927 in Confluence, PA, the son of the late Joseph Orren and Edith Phillips Roberts.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Gum Roberts in 2015; a son-in-law, Jon Harouff in 1986; three sisters, Ruby Thompson, Maxine McCully, and Dora Leah Branham, and a brother, Dale Roberts.
Mr. Roberts was a retired general contractor who had constructed many beautiful homes in the Alleghany Highlands. Prior to this he worked at Hercules.
He was a Charter Member of Mallow Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He had been attending Temple Baptist Church recently. He was active on the board of the Salvation Army and was a member of the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Vaughn served his country in the United States Navy during World War II from December 27, 1945 until October 28, 1947 and was stationed in Guantanamo Bay during his time. After serving active duty, he spent over seven years with the United States Naval Reserve.
He developed and operated one of the earliest recreational campgrounds on Smith Mountain Lake in the late 1960's known as Fort OV Roberts. Family and friends spent many summers on the lake where he taught numerous people how to water ski, boat, and fish. He was an avid hunter and some of his happiest times were spent with his good friends, Jim Sizemore and sons and family at the hunting camp on the mountain.
Mr. Roberts also enjoyed having yard sales, antiquing, stamp collecting, and traveling with friends and family.
Surviving are his three daughters, Angela Jones and husband, Dennis, and Cyndie Woods, all of Covington, and Carol Roberts of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Stacey Kaiser and husband, Lance of Wilmington, NC, Travis Bradley of Covington, Brandon Jones of Covington, and Scott Jones and wife, Jennifer of Broadway; five great grandchildren, Nathan Kaiser of Wilmington, NC, Mia Jones and Emma Jones of Broadway, Desmond Jones and Kayleah Jones, both of Covington; several of nieces and nephews, and special caregivers and his beloved cat, Gracie.
The funeral service will be held Friday January 17, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. William M. Hartsfield officiating assisted by the Rev. Gary Marshall.
The entombment will be held at Alleghany Memorial Park Mausoleum with Graveside Rites presented by the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The family will receive friends from noon on Friday until the service time.
Pallbearers will be Steve Sizemore, Doc Sizemore, Brandon Jones, Scott Jones, Larry Washburn, and Danny Hiner.
The family suggests that memorial contributions in Mr. Roberts' name be made to the Alleghany Humane Society at 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, VA 24426.
