Howard Richard Roberts

Dr. Howard Richard Roberts "Howie", age 81, of Cornelius, N.C., died peacefully the morning of March 21, 2014 in Mooresville, N.C. Howard, the youngest son of Edward and Irene Bills Roberts was born on July 6, 1932 in Eldred, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Jamestown, N.Y. He earned a B.S. degree in mathematics and chemistry and a Master's and PhD in mathematical statistics from the George Washington University. Howard served as Research Director and Vice President and Regional Managing Officer for Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Inc., then joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) where he was chosen to lead the Bureau of Foods. Next, Howard was named Director of Scientific Affairs and later,Senior Vice President for Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for The National Soft Drink Association in Washington, D.C. Howard was a passionate Duke basketball fan. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marylyn Ann Morrissey Roberts; daughters Cynthia Ann Taylor (Doug), of Chesterfield, VA and MaryBeth Roberts (Ron Modra), of Nashville, TN; and sons Mark Roberts (Tresa Jalot) of Franklinton, N.C. and John Roberts (Manda) of Cornelius, N.C. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan and Shaun Taylor; and Jordan, Will and Lauren Roberts. Memorial Services will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Monday March 24, 2014 in the Chapel Of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home with Rev. Louie Pais officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The George Washington University General Scholarship Fund, 2121 Eye Street NW, Washington DC 20052 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 Arrangements are in the care of Raymer-Kemper Funeral Home& Cremation in Huntersville, N.C. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com.