William Rocky Roberts

William “Rocky” Roberts, 73, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026.Born April 5, 1953, to the late William “Billy” Roberts and Betty Joyce Gulley Roberts, Rocky grew up in Sharpsburg, a community that would forever hold a special place in his heart. He graduated from Bath County High School in 1971, and went on to attend Morehead State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1975.

Rocky dedicated 25+ years of his professional life to the State Department for the Blind, but his commitment to public service extended far beyond his career. With a genuine love for his hometown and its people, he proudly served as both Mayor and City Commissioner of Sharpsburg. Rocky believed in the importance of community, local history, and preserving the traditions that made his small town special. To him, Sharpsburg was more than a place to live. It was a part of who he was.

That connection ran especially deep through Roberts Grocery, his family’s grocery store, that served the Sharpsburg community for generations. He took tremendous pride in the store’s history and the role his family played in the community. Roberts Grocery was more than a business; it was a gathering place, a family legacy, and a piece of Sharpsburg history that Rocky held close to his heart.

Rocky had a larger-than-life personality, an infectious laugh, quick wit, and undeniable charm. He had a love for history, a passion for baseball, and an extraordinary ability to remember the people, places, and events that shaped the world around him.

As proud as Rocky was of his hometown and his family’s history, nothing gave him more joy than his family, especially his three grandchildren. Holland, Elijah, and Sawyer were among his greatest treasures, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about them. His pride in them was unmistakable, and they brought a special kind of happiness to his life.

Rocky is survived by his two daughters, Gretchen (Justin) Jones and Kellie (Adam) Elkins; his beloved grandchildren, Holland Jones, Elijah Elkins, and Sawyer Elkins; and his loyal and steadfast friend, Ricky Tubbs, whose friendship and devotion meant so much throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, Billy and Betty Joyce Roberts, Rocky was preceded in death by his brother, Warren Thomas Roberts. 

A visitation for Rocky will be held from 3:00 - 4:00 PM Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Sharpsburg Christian Church. 

Memorial services will begin at 4:00 PM at the same location. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville is caring for all the arrangements for Rocky Roberts.