William Keith Roberts

William Keith Roberts, 72, of Dickson, TN, formerly of West Frankfort, IL, and Johnston City, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 24, 2026, after a brief illness.

Keith was born on January 24, 1954, in West Frankfort, IL, to William Roy and Geneva (Pinkston) Roberts. He grew up in West Frankfort and married LouEllen Etters on November 22, 1975.

Keith dedicated his professional career to coal mining, beginning at Old Ben Coal in Benton, IL, and later at Kerr-McGee and White Oak Resources. He took pride in protecting the people who worked in the industry and was also a federal mine inspector with MSHA for many years.

In retirement, Keith served as a full-time garden handyman to LouEllen, became a coffee connoisseur, volunteered at Camden High School basketball games, doted on the family dogs and delighted in his smart, rambunctious grandchildren.

Keith is survived by his wife of 50 years, LouEllen, children Sarah Roberts (Kevin Kelleher) of Albuquerque, NM, David (Tara) Roberts of Camden, TN, and Laura (Matt) Simon of Nashville, TN, and grandchildren Sophie Roberts, Iris Simon and Theo Simon. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved dog, Red.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the teams at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West and Alive Hospice in Nashville for their care and compassion.

Per Keith’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at 1 pm Friday, July 31 at Roberts Cemetery in Charlotte, TN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Keith's memory by volunteering with your local animal shelter or local youth sports league.