George G. Roberts, 105, of Gulfport, passed away in D'Iberville, MS on April 13, 2026.

Mr. Roberts was born on March 1, 1921 in Lancashire, England, the son of the late John Wesley and Sara (Judd) Roberts. The Roberts family immigrated to the United States in 1924. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ewart, Edwin, Handel, Haydn, and Wesley Roberts; and sisters Annie (Watkins), Alberta (Quinn), and Joyce (Zebrowski). He is also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years Norma E. Roberts (née Junck).

He is survived by his daughter Ellen Louise of Columbus, GA; son Gary Lee of Gautier, MS; grandsons Haydn (Morgan), Winston, and Quincy; great-grandchildren Mary Milton, Sarah Elizabeth, John Stuart, and George.

George was an Air Force veteran serving in World War II. He was a radio operator and machine gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress and completed a combat tour that included 31 bombing missions with the Eighth Air Force. In July 1944, his plane, “Rose of York,” was named in honor of and christened by Princess Elizabeth, the former Queen of England. Others participating in the ceremony included King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, and General Jimmy Doolittle, Eighth Air Force Commander.

In recognition of his wartime service, George was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, and two Presidential Citations. Foreign awards included the French Legion of Honor from the President of the French Republic and a letter of thanks and appreciation from Sir Winston Churchill for his participation in the great 8th Air Force battles of October 1943.

Upon discharge from active military duty, George worked for the Department of the Air Force as an electronics instructor at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. In September 1958, he was transferred to Keesler Technical Training Center in Biloxi, where he served as a Communications Electronics Specialist and Training Evaluator in the technical school. His last assignment was as an Electronics Programmer in the Plans and Programs Division of the Center Headquarters.

Following 31 years of government service, he worked for the City of Gulfport at the Herbert Wilson Recreation Center. He was a Little League coach for 25 years and a volunteer worker for the Gulfport VA Hospital and the American Red Cross.

He was a Past Master and Life Member of Gulfport Masonic Lodge #422, a Life Member of Gulfport Elks Lodge and the American Legion, Past Director of the 306th Bombardment Group Association, and President of the Second Schweinfurt Memorial Association. George was also a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gulfport.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Trinity Methodist Church, Gulfport, from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM. Funeral services will be at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary and committal services will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Methodist Church, 5007 Lawson Ave., Gulfport, MS, 39507.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family at this time.