Judson W. Roberts

Mr. Judson Wheeler Roberts of Ball Ground, 60, passed away May 29, 2016 after a three year battle with lymphoma. A native of Cherokee County, he was recently honored by the Cherokee County Historical Society for his efforts to restore the historic Rock Barn in Canton, Georgia. He was instrumental in raising funds to restore the Rock Barn, which serves as the flagship event facility of the Cherokee County Historical Society, spearheading the $500,000 campaign. For his endeavors, Mr. Roberts was designated the first recipient of the newly established Judson W. Roberts Lifetime Service Award. He also secured funding from the National Endowment of the Arts to establish the first paid staff member for the CCHS and served on its Board of Directors for more than 10 years. Historic preservation was his passion. Mr. Roberts loved to entertain at his historic home in Ball Ground and at his family cabin on Tate Mountain. He was a true southern gentlemen as well as a global traveler, speaking several languages which included fluent Spanish with a Cuban accent, a rare accomplishment for an non-native Cuban. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Mr. Roberts worked in international banking for a number of years in New York, Atlanta, and Miami where he began his career with Continental Illinois Bank's Latin America Office. He also spent time with Citizens and Southern National Bank's Latin America group and served as General Manager of AmTrade International. Particularly during his years in Miami and in International Banking, he forged business relationships and friendships throughout Central and South America that would follow him throughout his life. Mr. Roberts returned to his beloved Ball Ground in 1996 as an entrepreneur, founding Latin Solutions Corporation, a company that provided export inspection and certification services in the Southeastern U.S. in addition to selling laser surveying systems domestically and internationally. He was also active in various business and local government boards and organizations in Cherokee County. Judson was born September 3, 1955 in Atlanta. He is survived by his mother, Sylvia Wheeler Roberts, his brother, Ball Ground Mayor Rick Roberts, his sister-in-law Elaine, nephews Fraser and Alfred Roberts, several aunts and many cousins, along with his godson, Michael Timm. He was preceded in death by his father, A Roy Roberts Jr., his grandparents Annabelle and Judson Wheeler, and Kate and Roy Roberts Sr. He also leaves many close friends locally, across the country, and around the world. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1st in the Roberts Family Cemetery in Ball Ground, followed by a life celebration gathering at the historic Roberts home in Ball Ground. His family will receive friends at Darby Funeral Home in Canton from 2 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31st. Memorials may be made to the Cherokee County Historical Society, Rock Barn Fund, P.O. Box 1287, Canton, GA 30169.

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Judson W. Roberts

September 3, 1955 - May 29, 2016