Thomas Ray Roberts

Thomas Ray “Tom” Roberts was born on November 11, 1946, in Madill, Oklahoma, the youngest of six children born to Earl and Vivian “Jack” (Bales) Roberts—and the only one in the family born in a hospital. As a young boy, Tom moved with his family to Gould, Oklahoma, where he was raised on a sandhill farm north of town. He grew up surrounded by love, in a close-knit community where neighbors looked after one another like family.

His childhood was filled with big family gatherings, church events, visits with cousins, domino games, and outdoor movies at Bert Day’s store. Tom and his brothers were known to drive fast, tear up cars, rebuild them, and do it all over again. They worked in the fields picking cotton, driving tractors, and traveling on wheat harvests. His first paying job was at the local cotton gin. Though he had many friends, his brothers were his closest companions. Even when he thought they might “kill him,” they were always the first to protect him. His big sister, Betty, was a steady source of comfort, always ready with a hug or to wipe away a tear. By all accounts, Tom was more than a little spoiled.

He graduated from Gould High School with the Class of 1965. Tom never met a stranger and became well known for his “rabbit trail” stories, often centered around his childhood in Harmon County. His faith began early at the Shrewder Church of Christ, where his father led singing and the family attended faithfully three times a week. Tom cherished the times he was able to lead singing on Wednesday nights—something he carried with him into adulthood.

Tom and his father later operated several gas stations in Harmon and Jackson Counties. In 1974, while living in Blair and working at one of those stations, Tom—then known as Blair’s most notable bachelor—met the love of his life. A young schoolteacher from Kansas pulled in and asked for two dollars’ worth of gas. Tom not only filled her tank but washed her windows and, with his trademark charm, did his best to win her over—going so far as to ask for a ride home…just one block away. His persistence paid off. Four months later, Tom and Dee Ann Pitts were married on December 26, 1974. Together, they shared 51 beautiful years.

In 1978, they welcomed their son, Jeffrey Thomas “Jeff,” who quickly became Tom’s built-in best friend. The two shared countless adventures, a love for sports cars, and a passion for professional sporting events. They traveled often, including a special father-son cruise, and spent over 25 years attending OU football games together.

Early in life, Tom was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and courageously battled the disease for nearly 60 years. Through every challenge, Dee Ann remained faithfully by his side, supporting him through surgeries, doctor visits, and the many ups and downs along the way.

At the age of 32, Tom fully committed his life to Christ at Martha Baptist Church, where he was baptized and dedicated himself to leading his family in a Christian home. He later joined Blair First Baptist Church, where he taught youth classes, took groups to Falls Creek, and coached girls’ softball. Tom loved his community deeply and spent many years coaching T-ball, pee-wee, and little league teams. Tom also served as a firefighter for the Blair Fire Department before retiring. His personality was vibrant and unforgettable—he truly never met a stranger.

Tom had a passion for collecting antiques, always on the lookout for unique treasures. His collections included advertising memorabilia, farm and oilfield nostalgia, rocks, fossils, and Native Southwest Oklahoma artifacts. He and Dee Ann shared many antiquing adventures, and when Dee Ann participated in art shows, Tom was always by her side as her biggest supporter and promoter. In 1990, they opened their antique shop, where Tom delighted in visiting with both old and new friends, often sharing his faith and love for Christ. He also enjoyed buying and selling cars, a hobby he continued well into his 70s.

Tom and Dee Ann were further blessed when Jeff married Gina in 2003, and their family grew again with the arrival of their beloved granddaughter, Harper, in 2014. She quickly became the joy of Tom’s life and his hope for the future.

Tom was known for his deep biblical wisdom and often quoted his favorite verse, John 3:8 “The wind blows where it goes and nobody knows”. He was also known for his generosity, with many stories of quiet kindness continuing to surface even after his passing. At the age of 79, Tom fell into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at his home in Blair, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents; his racing and mechanic buddy and brother, Billy Jack Roberts and his sons, Billy Ray and Timmy. His dear sister, Betty Lou—just seven years older than Tom—always thought of him as her baby brother. They were separated for only two short months before her passing and being reunited in Heaven, rejoicing together once more.

Tom’s memory will forever be cherished by those he leaves behind: his constant companion, the wind beneath his wings, and wife of 51 years, Dee Ann; his son and best friend, Jeff; his beloved daughter-in-law and cherished addition to the family, Gina; his precious granddaughter, Harper; his brothers, Bo “Earl” Roberts and wife, Linda, Dave Roberts and wife, Sylvia, and Hame “James” Roberts and wife, Betty; sisters-in-law, Mary Pitts and Shelley Pitts; brothers-in-law, Lynn Pitts and Paul Wood; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, Tom’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the faith he so boldly lived. His laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. We find comfort in knowing he is whole again, reunited with those who went before him, and walking hand in hand with his Savior.

The family will greet friends at the Blair First Baptist Church from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Immediately following, the Blair Fire Department will lead a procession for inurnment at the Blair Cemetery. Comments will be made by Jeremy Mills and Michael Mitchell.

Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.