My father, Marion Lamar (Shorty) Roberts and my mother, Mrs. Catherine Smith Roberts were both born and raised in Hancock County. In May of 1973, I graduated from John Hancock Academy in Sparta, Georgia. My wife, Donna Womack Roberts, is also a native of Hancock County. We have been married 48 years. We have one child, Stephen Thomas Roberts. In 1974 I was offered a job with The City of Sparta as assistant superintendent of the gas and water department. There I supervised the construction and maintenance of the city’s utility distribution system. In 1979, Harvey T. Higdon, a local businessman, gave me the opportunity to manage and eventually purchase from him Ace Hardware Company of Sparta, Inc. . Higdon had just purchased the business and did not have any knowledge of the plumbing, electrical, or construction business. He needed someone with experience, so I accepted the offer. I purchased the business from him in 1982. Since that time, the business has grown to include a construction division and plumbing and electrical service company. Over the years, I have served many organizations, both civic and private. I served on the John Hancock Academy School Board as a member and as president for about 6 years. I have served on The Sandersville Technical School Advisory Board for 10 years. I served on the United Security Bank Board of Directors for about 20 years. I was appointed to the Hancock County Hospital Corporation Board in 1986. I have served on the Hancock County Vocational Education Advisory Board, as well. I am a member of the Sparta Lions Club and I am a member of the Sparta/Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and served as the chairman of the first Pine Tree Festival that is sponsored by The Chamber. I serve as Vice Chairman of the Hancock County Industrial Development Authority. I am a Deacon at Sparta Baptist Church and have served as Chairman several times. I am a level 1B inspector for The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. I am the Hancock County Building Inspector. I served as a volunteer fireman for 32 years, and served as Fire Chief for 24 years. In 2015 I was elected to the Sparta City Council . It has been my honor and pleasure to serve the City of Sparta for the last five years.
