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David Topping Roberts, 66 of the Baxterville area, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning at Marion General Hospital. David was born May 10, 1954 in Miami-Dade County Florida, one of three boys to David Norman & Roberta Lee (Stuart) Roberts. Growing up in Southeast Florida, you might imagine that he would enjoy fishing. David loved the outdoors and gardening as well. He joined the US Navy after school, serving from 1972 - 74 aboard the USS Chicago (CG 11). After his discharge, he moved to the Atlanta area working for the US Forrest Service. During his time there, he appeared on many occasions as "Smokey the Bear" interacting with the public. When the office he was working in closed, David transferred to the Georgia Dept. of Transportation. He was an unapologetic, born again Christian that definitely had an evangelistic calling on his heart. At a church service in Decatur, he met Wanda Fuller and the rest as they say, is history. They were married in January of 1987 and made their home in the Atlanta metro area. They were very active in their church and felt led to move to Mississippi as part of a church plant effort, purchasing a country house and farm several years ago. David was fluent in Spanish, knew sign language, plus he had a working knowledge of Arabic and a couple other languages. He was not just a hearer, but a doer of the Word and his passion was handing out tracts and Bibles, often in the person's native language. His love for the Lord was evident in his caring nature toward others. He is remembered as a jovial, loving man that enjoyed the country life, raising Americana chickens, Muscovy ducks and growing tea as a hobby. David was faithful in his efforts, to God, his family and church. He was a meticulously organized and determined person that wanted things done just so. But he was also a cut-up with a jovial personality as well. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all whose life he touched. He was preceded by his parents, David N. & Roberta Roberts. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of nearly 34 years, Wanda; their four children: Jonathan (Bethany) Roberts of Dalton, GA, Ruth (Will) Walker of Poplarville, with Stephen and Esther Roberts, both of Lumberton; his two brothers, John Roberts of Florida and Paul (Becky) Roberts of Georgia. He leaves a legacy of three grandchildren, all of whom he adored: Jonathan, Morgan and Joanna, all of Dalton. GA, along with many friends, neighbors and co-workers, and countless people he has handed a tract or Bible to over the years. Visitation will be at North Spoon Baptist Church Tabernacle, where he and his family were active and faithful, Monday, August 31st beginning at noon. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 and David will be laid to rest in the church cemetery afterward. Please be mindful of others and observe current guidelines with regard to the Covid-19 virus. You should refrain from attending if you are ill or displaying any symptoms, such as fever or cough. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Roberts family in their time of need and asks everyone to keep them all lifted up in your thoughts and prayers during this tough time.