Gary Keith McRoberts Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Gary McRoberts (Graham, North Carolina), born in Sparta, Michigan, who passed away on May 30, 2020, at the age of 78, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Gary McRoberts to show support.

Gary Keith McRoberts was born July 21, 1941, in Sparta, Michigan. He woke up in the presence of the Lord on May 30, 2020, at home surrounded by family in Whitsett, North Carolina. Raised in Southern California, Gary was a lifelong student. He attended Luzinger High School, El Camino Community College, California State University at Long Beach and Claremont Graduate School. He taught at Dorsey High School, Palos Verdes High School, Fullerton College, and tutored many private students.

Gary was passionate about music, teaching and his faith. “Mr. Mac’s” love for his students never wavered – calling them his kids. In December 1990, he married his bride, Valerie Holt Montgomery McRoberts at Mount Hermon United Methodist Church. While teaching at Fullerton College, he achieved his lifelong goal of earning his Doctorate of Musical Arts, Chorale Conducting. An avid pianist and perfectionist, Gary mentored countless people and passed his legacy on to numerous successful students. He has impacted so many and has been an unknown influence on generations. A faithful member of the church, he served at several churches as the Minister of Music. Unbeknownst to him, he was the minister he always dreamed he would be – his mission field was the classroom. He was known for his directness, integrity, loyalty, and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter Keith and Maxine McRoberts. Survived by his wife, Valerie Holt McRoberts of the home. Also surviving, is his sister Sherrill Clajus and children: Steve McRoberts, Randy (Dawn) McRoberts, Sean (Abbery) McRoberts, Erin Shelikh, and Ashlyn (Adam) O’Neal. Surviving are 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 5, 2020 at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home in Graham from noon until 1:30 PM. A graveside service will follow at Mt. Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

The family would like to ask that everyone in attendance be mindful of proper social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in honor and memory to either The American Cancer Society (americancancerfund.org/donate) or Southern Alamance Family Empowerment, SAFE (safealamance.org).

Services are being handled by Rich and Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service, 207 East Elm Street, Graham, North Carolina, 336 396-8963.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Keith McRoberts, please visit https://www.richandthompson.com.