Burdell Clinton Roberts

Burdell Clinton Roberts was born on January 13, 1937, in Warren, Arkansas to the late Claude and Geraldine Roberts.   The Lord called him home on November 20, 2021, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Burdell was the oldest child of seven children.   He attended Bradley County High School in Warren, Arkansas, graduating in 1956.

Burdell married Leola in 1958 and moved to Portland, Oregon in 1960.  This union was blessed with four children.   He worked various jobs before accepting employment with White Stag where he labored for 27 years. In 1988 he started his own business, Burdell’s Express.   One of his first contracts was with the Portland Trail Blazers.  His business excelled with many other contracts/businesses until he retired in 2005.

Burdell was well known and respected around town by his peers.  He was an extremely humble and down to earth man.  He did not seek the limelight or much public attention.  He was a private proud man who harbored many thoughts in his mind but only shared them with a select few, yet his popularity contradicted his lifestyle. Growing up we watched people gravitate to our father and praised him for his outstanding character traits and work ethics.

Burdell was a man of wisdom, and many sought him out as a mentor.  While working at White Stag, they called him the president because they said he knew everything.  He had a magnetic personality and would strike up a conversation with anyone he came in contact with and made them feel like they were a friend or family member.  He was a great storyteller with a great sense of humor.  He was a foodie and loved to spend time with his family and would find any reason to have a family gathering.

His yard was his sanctuary.  He spent many days meditating in the serenity of his backyard.

He was an avid sports/blazer fan and was recognized by visiting players as “Portland” because he was one of the first few African Americans who had courtside season tickets.

Burdell accepted the lord on May 2, 1982, at New Birth Full Gospel Pentecostal Church under the association of Bishop A.A. Wells.  He had a servant's ministry and worked tirelessly and effortlessly to meet the needs of the church.

Burdell was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Geraldine Roberts, a brother, Charles Roberts, sisters, Anne Marie White, Beverly Roberts and grandson, Marco Bluford.

Burdell leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 63 years, Leola Roberts, daughters; Sheila Ann Johnson, Aurora, Colorado, Judy Roberts-Davis (Mark), Portland, Oregon, Linda Miller (Tony), Gilbert, Arizona, Lavoris Robinson, Portland, OR and Tricia Roberts, Portland, OR; sisters, Helen Stillwell, Wilmar, Arkansas, Claudine McCullough (Charles), Denver, Colorado, brother, Howard Roberts (Robin), Grand Junction, Colorado; grandchildren; Kendra Davis (Adrian), Robert H. Kemp IV,  Burdell Ramsey, LaBrea Jackson, and LaDrena Robinson; great grandchildren;  Aleander Kelly, Alvin Hicks, JaSier Ramsey, Aunestee Grice, Milana Ramsey, Ahmir Mixon,  Simiya Ramsey, Malayah Ramsey,  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a lifetime of friends.

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