Warren Lester Roberts

Warren Lester Roberts was born August 4, 1920 in Red Oak, GA to Mack Lester Roberts and Frances W. Warren, now deceased. Warren was named for his Maternal Grandfather, Dr. William Allen Warren. His family moved several times during his early years to College Park, Augusta and Savannah, GA. During the Depression he lived for awhile in Tallassee, AL with extended family. He had wonderful lifetime memories of experiences during these early years. Warren was predeceased by his parents and only sibling, Frances M. Lewis. His family later moved to College Park and he graduated from Russell High School at the age of 16. During the Second World War Warren served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1946. He married Margie Adams, now deceased, in 1942 and they had 3 daughters: Melodee Bonita, Marsha Warren and Marissa Ann. In 1946 he got his start in local theatre groups, such as Atlanta Theatre Guild, Atlanta Civic Theatre, Atlanta Civic Opera and Agnes Scott Blackfriars, playing both leading and character roles. Warren's early career desire while in high school was to be in radio. He started at WEAS in Decatur in 1947 and progressed to be a well known and respected "Disc Jockey" of various musical genres, but his primary interest was in Southern Gospel Music. This enabled him to do the two things he enjoyed the most - be on the air and communicate with people about Jesus through the music. In 1948 he took over the "Gospel Quartet Time" program and kept it on the air for over 40 years, at stations including WEAS, WYZE, WTJH and WSSA, all in the Atlanta area. Warren was also the Emcee at the popular "All Nite Gospel Singing" held at the Atlanta City Auditorium for more than 25 years. Warren's TV career started in 1958 when he was signed by NBC Station Channel 11 to do a weekly thirty minute live Southern Gospel program. This was later changed to a full hour and ran until 1964. In 1971, Warren began a live program on Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network on Atlanta's Channel 46. Later on these programs were taped and sent over the CBN Network across the country. He featured many of the top Southern Gospel groups of the time. Warren also had a successful songwriting career, which began when his "Somewhere Along the Way" was recorded by George Beverly Shea on RCA Victor in the early l950's. "May The Lord Bless You Real Good", recorded by Wally Fowler and several quartets, was also featured as theme music in the MGM movie "Ada" and was sung by Dean Martin. "God Bless You go with God" was recorded by 5 or more gospel groups and used as theme music for the Christian Crusade radio broadcast. Other recorded songs include "Everywhere You Go" and "You Can't Run Away From God." Warren received several awards during his career, including the "Singing News Golden Mike", and he was inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. Warren gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1950 at the age of 30 and joyfully served him. He was a devoted servant of the Lord and worked in Churches as choir member, Sunday School teacher, deacon and whenever and where ever there was a job to be done. He was also a lay speaker at various churches and Christian meetings and greatly enjoyed sharing his Christian faith with others. In his retirement years, he enjoyed volunteering at Emory's Budd Terrace and Towers, and Clairmont Place, entertaining those in wheelchairs and in poor health. He liked to bring cheer and smiles to those in these facilities. After suffering declining health for several years, Warren was desirous of going to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Lord answered his prayer on April 5, 2011 at 4:40 PM. He is survived by his devoted wife Yvonne of nearly 36 years. He is also survived by his beloved daughters, Melodee McDonald (Michael), Marsha W. Roberts (Robert Rector), Marissa Woodall (Johnny) and son Tim Breedlove. He had six Grandsons; William Lewallen, Matthew Rector, Alan Rector, Josh McDonald, Evan Breedlove and Collin Breedlove, and one great-granddaughter. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 8th at 2:00 pm at Clairmont Hills Baptist Church to celebrate Warren's life. The service will be conducted by Rev. Fred Pitts and Rev. Dennis Lacy. The family visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 8:00PM at A.S. Turner & Sons, 2773 N. Decatur RD, Decatur, GA.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033