Governor Kay Ivey Declares Saturday As “Will Roberts Day”

Will Roberts lost his earthly life last week, but as of 12:45 am CDT tomorrow morning, he will complete his first week of eternal life.

His physical presence on earth may be over, but the legacy he left behind will endure. His honesty and straightforward approach to his battle with a rare bone cancer continues to inspire and draw tributes from so many people in so many places.

One of those tributes comes from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. She today issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, the day he is to be laid to rest, as "Will Roberts Day" in the State of Alabama.

“Alabama is remembering Will as a brave young man whose courage inspired us all,” Ivey stated in her proclamation. “God has called him home, where he is healed and with our Savior. I am proud to honor his life well-lived by officially proclaiming Will Roberts Day in the state of Alabama. He inspired me, and he inspired us all.”

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Will’s passing occurred on his mother's birthday, ending a year-and-a-half battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. A parent feels conflicting emotions losing a child at any age, but especially as a teen. There is that sad sense of loss but also a feeling of relief that your son is no longer suffering. Jason and Brittney Roberts are going through those emotions.

There is that physical loss but also a sense of pride for how Will handled himself during his health crisis, the faith with which he approached each day, and how he shared that faith with millions of others around the world as he sought experimental medicine in an attempt to continue a life well lived.

In the end, Brittney's social media post described the end of his battle, saying he “is finally ringing his forever cancer-free bell.”

Will's obituary describes his life, defined not by length but the way he lived it, "Will packed more life into fifteen years than many people do in a lifetime. He loved Jesus. He loved his family. He loved hunting before daylight, fishing until dark, getting muddy, making people laugh, and asking questions that usually left everyone else wondering how in the world he came up with them. He never met a stranger, and somehow people were drawn to him from the moment they met him. He had a smile that could change the atmosphere of a room and a heart that made everyone feel important."

As the governor's press release announcing Saturday as "Will Roberts Day" stated, "Will was a light to everyone around him. Despite his difficult journey, he could always find a reason to smile or encourage someone else. His journey united many in prayer, faith, and community. He exemplified true bravery in the midst of suffering, and his life is a testament to every child in the state of Alabama and the nation who has battled cancer."

His life was an inspiration to more people than will ever be known. His legacy will be remembered.

Family visitation will be 9:00 am at Shelton State Community College (Martin Campus,
9500 Old Greensboro Rd., Tuscaloosa). That will be followed by services at noon in the gymnasium.

Burial will take place at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ralph, with Magnolia Chapel South directing.