Don L. Roberts

Don Luther Roberts

With heavy hearts, the family of Don Roberts share of his passing at the great age of 96 on April 17, 2024, in Chattanooga, TN.

All who knew Don knew of his fondness for football, fishing, and making time to hike in the mountains.

Don had a long and fulfilling career as a highway engineer, first with Tennessee Department of Transportation, then Sullivan and Hobel, and finally, Bouquard Engineering. 

But as much as Don loved his work, he lived for his weekends. He would literally head for the hills, exploring the Smoky Mountains in his younger years, then later, the Swiss Alps. On first encountering Switzerland, Don said, “I was mesmerized!”  A faithful hiker, he traveled the Alps every summer for more than four decades, befriending innkeepers, restaurateurs, and helping tourists needing advice on which trail or train to take next. He was often accompanied on those hikes by his longtime partner Shirley Thomas or daughter Donna Roberts.

Don was proud to serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force designing airfields in Korea. As some know, while on leave in Tokyo, Don was so engrossed in a crime novel that he missed his flight out. The plane crashed killing everyone on board. That incident likely contributed to Don’s commitment to live life to its fullest.

Don was born in Miami, FL, and resided most of his life in Chattanooga. But he often returned to his hometown of Tracy City on the mountain. With childhood friends, he loved exploring the area’s caves, trails, and swimming holes. In recent decades, Don enthusiastically attended Friday night football games at Grundy County High where he played football decades earlier.

Don graduated from Tennessee Tech, after attending University of Tennessee. He was a passionate Vols fan throughout his long life. College football season was the primary reason he’d return from Switzerland every August.

Don’s love of football and his sharp mathematical mind led him to create and publish first, Roberts Ratings in the early 1960s, and later, the popular Football Guide. Finally, he lent his expertise to The Kickoff.

Don is survived by his daughter Donna Roberts, grandson Gabriel, son-in-law/fishing buddy Chip Hoffman - of Burlington, Vermont – and Don’s longtime beloved companion Shirley Thomas, of Chattanooga, as well as Lily the cat.

Don was preceded in death by his mother Zula Henderson Roberts and father Byron Roberts.

A graveside service will be held at The City Cemetery in Tracy City, on May 18, at 12 Noon. The family is planning an intimate celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, friends might consider a donation to the Salvation Army, or just take a walk in the woods in Don’s honor.

You may share condolences with the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.