Michael Ray Roberson, age 56, a resident of Vanceboro, died Dec. 3, 2011.

Michael was born on Dec. 4, 1954, in Oxnard, Calif. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Chocowinity. Michael was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne and retired from the U.S. Army after 18 years of service. He was employed with the City of New Bern as a Plant Operator in the Water Treatment Dept. Michael was a member of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Juanita Conner and his paternal grandparents, Roy Lee and Oma Sue Roberson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Veteran’s organization.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Roberson, of the home; his parents, Charles and JoAnn Roberson of Grifton; one brother, Roy Lee Roberson and wife, Sherry, of Snow Hill; favorite aunt, Dorothy Roberson; great-aunt, Carrie Cash and numerous cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. tonight at Farmer Funeral Service-Ayden. Visitation will be held after the service.

Please share condolences online at www.farmerfuneralservice.com.