Sylvester William (“Bill”) Roberts, 82 of Dayton, Ohio passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025. He was born August 28, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Ethel Lee (Griffie) Roberts and Thomas Roberts. He married Loraine Johnson Roberts on April 15, 1972 who preceded him in death in 2005.

Bill is survived by three children: Traci Roberts of Dayton, Ohio, Jason Roberts (Rozalynn) of Piqua, Ohio and Terri Roberts-Leonard (Edward) of Greenwood, Indiana; six grandchildren: Dre’Sean Roberts, Kayla Smith, Demi Roberts, Jaylynn Leonard, Justin Leonard and Jordan Leonard; brother Kenneth Roberts; best friend Walt Higginbotham, other loving relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Sean Edward William Roberts in 1990.

Bill attended Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio and continued his studies at the University of Cincinnati. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He had a love of entrepreneurship and ran several local businesses throughout the years. Later in his life, he independently published several books. He had a heart for community service and spent many years coaching youth sports and volunteering at church. He loved the Lord and was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a member of the Deacon Board for several years. He loved golf, basketball, fishing and fancied himself as a barbecue specialist.

He left a note that said: “My final wish is that you will live your life to the fullest. Never say, I will do it in the future. The future is now. Tomorrow was meant for some but tomorrow may never come. Put this day behind you. Love and forgive one another. Love one another and love God.”

He will truly be missed by all who loved him.