Robert “Bobby” Eugene Roberson, born August 5, 1931, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, was a man whose life reflected unwavering faith, humility, and a deep love for others. Growing up in Kernersville as the son of Rev. Ezra and Era Roberson, Bobby was raised in a home devoted to the gospel. At the age of 17, he trusted Christ as his personal Saviour, and two years later, he answered God’s call to preach—a decision that shaped his entire life and ministry.

In 1956, Bro. Bobby became the pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church in Walkertown, North Carolina, where he faithfully ministered for over 61 years. During his tenure, the church grew exponentially, completing 13 building programs—all debt-free—and establishing a Spanish ministry that now operates on its own campus nine miles from the main church. His burden for souls led to the creation of a Bus Ministry over 50 years ago, bringing thousands of children and adults to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Additionally, he founded Gospel Light Christian School over 45 years ago to provide young people with a Christ-centered education. He also led the church to purchase a 139-acre camp in Hillsville, Virginia, where countless juniors and teens have been saved and called to serve God.

Bro. Bobby’s ministry extended beyond the walls of Gospel Light, but he never lost his connection to his roots. He often reflected on his humble beginnings, from plowing fields with a mule in Kernersville to preaching in pulpits across the country. Despite receiving five honorary degrees and the honor of having Crown College name their School of Pastoral Ministry after him, he remained humble, often quipping, “Honorary degrees are like a curl on a pig’s tail—it doesn’t provide any more ham!”

At his core, Bro. Bobby was an old-fashioned, independent, fundamental Baptist preacher. He stood unwaveringly on the King James Version of the Bible, believing it to be the inspired and preserved Word of God. His life verse, Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”—was the anchor of his ministry, fueling his steadfast devotion to preaching the gospel and serving others.

Beyond the pulpit, Bro. Bobby was a devoted husband and family man. He was married to his beloved wife, Jacquelyn White Roberson, for 66 years until her passing in 2015. Together, they raised four children: Steve (Linda), Sue (Jerry), Stan (Joanne), and Molly (Mark). He was a proud “PawPaw” to ten grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

Bro. Bobby’s impact was far-reaching, but he never sought recognition or accolades. His sole desire was to glorify God and leave behind a testimony of faithfulness. Those who knew him—whether as “Daddy,” “PawPaw,” or “Bro. Bobby”—were blessed by his compassion, humor, and unwavering commitment to the gospel. His legacy includes thousands of lives changed through his ministry, from the Bus Ministry to the campgrounds of Hillsville to Gospel Light’s congregation and beyond.

His greatest desire was to leave behind a good name, and he did just that. In the words of the Apostle Paul, Bobby Roberson could truly say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (II Timothy 4:7). Bro. Bobby’s life and ministry stand as a testament to what God can do through a humble servant fully yielded to Him.