Thurman Alvin Roberts, JR

Thurman Alvin “T.A.” Roberts, Jr., passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, in Columbia, Louisiana. He was 84 years old.

Born on January 3, 1941, in Clarks, Louisiana, T.A. was the son of Thurman Alvin Roberts, Sr. and Kathryn Gerlach Roberts. A proud native of Caldwell Parish, he remained deeply rooted in his community throughout his life.

T.A. graduated from Grayson High School in 1958 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from Northwestern State University in 1962. His passion for learning continued throughout his life, culminating in a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Louisiana Monroe in 1975. A lifelong student of both history and the Bible, T.A.’s intellectual curiosity shaped much of his personal and professional life.

He began his career as a claims adjustor with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in 1965 before embarking on a long and successful venture as a petroleum distributor. From 1966 to 2000, T.A. and his beloved wife Doris Richard Roberts owned and operated T.A. Roberts Oil Co., serving their community with dedication and integrity for over three decades.

In addition to his business endeavors, T.A. was actively involved in local banking and civic leadership. He served as a bank director for Caldwell Holding Company, Caldwell Bank and Trust Company and Citizens Progressive Bank. His commitment to the community also led him to serve on the Caldwell Parish School Board for 14 years, where he worked to support local students and schools. He also contributed at the state level as a director of the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association.

T.A.’s service extended beyond civilian life into military duty. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army, including thirteen months stationed in Korea with the 1st Cavalry Division and time at Fort Hood, Texas with the 1st Armored Division. He also served with the Louisiana National Guard and achieved the rank of Captain.

A man of deep faith, T.A. was a long-time member of Old Bethel Baptist Church where he found spiritual strength and fellowship. He was instrumental in the growth of Old Bethel Christian Academy.

T.A.’s personal interests reflected his love for craftsmanship and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, competitive pistol shooting, and woodworking—creating everything from cabinets to jewelry boxes to finely turned wood pieces.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Doris Richard Roberts; their daughter Laura Leigh Blackston and son-in-law Andreas Nikodem; son Trey Roberts and daughter-in-law Rhonda Taylor Roberts; grandson Tyler Roberts and his wife Faith Gonzales Roberts; and granddaughter Maura Roberts Morgan and her husband Tanner Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thurman Alvin Roberts, Sr., and Kathryn Gerlach Roberts.

Funeral services will be held at Columbia Methodist Church on November 7, 2025. Pallbearers will be Tyler Roberts, Tanner Morgan, Steven Braddock, Ray Braddock, Marty Hart, and Gary Tucker. Honorary pallbearers include Elbert Lee Pauley, Neil Riser, Lester Fife, John Reitzell, Willie Hines, Garland Grant, Charles McDougald, Pete Lively, and Tom Kupferer.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Haven Skilled Nursing Facility and Citizens Medical Center for their attentive care during T.A.’s final months. Special thanks are also given to caregiver Shirley Moore for her compassion and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Old Bethel Christian Academy, 1462 Hwy 547, Grayson, LA, 71435 or Giving Spirit Food Pantry, c/o Columbia Methodist Church, PO Box 178, Columbia, LA 71418.

T.A.'s legacy lives on through his family’s love and through the many lives he touched across his community. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A Visitation will be held on November 7, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Columbia Methodist Church 501 Church Street, followed by the funeral at 2:00 p.m. After the funeral, the burial will be held at Old Bethel Cemetery in Clarks, Louisiana under the direction of Riser and Son Funeral Home.