William “Bill” Roberts was a man who lived life with passion, warmth, and a love for music and family. Born in Natchitoches, LA, on November 30, 1959, and raised in Shreveport, Bill carried with him a joyful spirit that touched the lives of everyone he met. A proud alumnus of Southwood High School, Bill played on the football team for all four years, displaying the same dedication on the field that he brought to everything he loved. After graduating from Southwood High School, he attended Mississippi College, where he earned his degree in Religious Music in 1981 and shared his talent as a proud member of the singing group “The Naturals.” Bill’s journey took him from leading music at First Baptist Blanchard to a successful career with State Farm, but through it all, his greatest pride remained his two children, Rachel and Scott, and his two grandchildren, Bodhi and Eisley. Bill’s story is one of love, resilience, and the power of music—a legacy his family is determined to continue by supporting others facing similar challenges.
Over time, Bill’s family noticed small changes in his personality that, while subtle at first, grew more profound. What initially seemed like stress or depression eventually became more significant changes in his personality. After years of seeking answers, Bill was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) in 2019. Despite this difficult news, Bill’s family rallied around him, cherishing every moment together.
Music, a lifelong passion for Bill, remained a bright light in his life, even as FTD took its toll. His mother recalls the joy of hearing Bill continue to sing hymns, even when other memories faded. She reflected, “There’s just something about music; it just doesn’t leave you.” Those beautiful moments serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit Bill carried through his life.
In Bill’s memory, his family has created a fund to honor his life and raise awareness for Frontotemporal Dementia. Like the music that filled Bill’s life, they hope the fund will leave a lasting impact, offering hope to families facing the challenges of early-onset dementia. Bill’s father said, “We just don’t want him to be forgotten. Knowing this fund in his honor might help others brings us great comfort.”
The Bill Roberts Memorial Fund will provide crucial resources for families and caregivers through The Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center. By raising awareness of this rare condition, the Roberts family hopes to give others the support and understanding Bill needed during his own journey. While there is no cure for FTD, this fund represents a powerful step toward ensuring no one faces the road ahead without help, guidance, and hope. As Bill’s father shared, “We just want to make sure that no one else has to go through this journey alone.”
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to carry on Bill’s legacy by helping others through this fund. With your support, we can offer hope and comfort to families in need, lighting the way for a future filled with understanding and compassion. To donate to the Bill Roberts Memorial Fund, please reference the fund on your check, or when donating online, choose “Other” under Reasons for Donation and enter “The Bill Roberts Memorial Fund” in the comment box.
Thank you for standing with us in honoring Bill and making a difference in the lives of so many.
Recent Comments