Rodkey Dale Roberts

Rodkey Dale "Rod" Roberts, 81, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026. Rod was a gentle soul who never met a joke he wouldn't tell, and the cornier it was, the bigger he grinned telling it.

Born April 3, 1945, to James Thatcher Roberts and Nancy Deason Roberts, Rod graduated from Natchez Adams County High School in Natchez, Mississippi, and joined the United States Army soon after. Following his service, he earned his degree from Mississippi State University.

Rod spent 36 years with BellSouth, now AT&T, as a digital technician, and he loved the work. His curiosity followed him home. He built his own computers and spent countless hours on his HAM radio. Long before the internet as we know it, he founded the Omnicom Bulletin Board, a system people dialed into from their home computers over the phone line to swap messages, share files, and get to know one another. For many who called in, it was a first glimpse of the online world, and Rod was the one who made it possible.

Rod and Teresa shared 32 years of marriage, a bond that carried them through every season of life, including the hardest ones. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at rest.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Thatcher Roberts and Nancy Deason Roberts; his sister, Panalee Reeves; his brother, Mark Leland Roberts; his stepson, Erik Spittler; and his son-in-law, Andrew Brandon.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Teresa; his stepdaughter, Kelly Brandon; his brother, Neumie Roberts (Marsha); his sister-in-law, Regina Wrigley; his nieces Jaklyn Wrigley and Nikki Wrigley, who shared a special bond with their uncle; his nieces Rhonda Brown (Tim) and Cassondra Reeves, whose frequent visits brightened his days; many other nieces and nephews; and a host of cherished friends who made his life full.

Teresa is grateful beyond words to the nurses and caregivers at The Lighthouse, who looked after Rod for the last two and a half years of his life. He was cared for with skill, patience, and real affection, and Teresa never had to wonder whether he was in good hands. She also thanks Notre Dame Hospice, whose compassion eased Rod's final days and gave his family strength.

Above all, Teresa wishes to thank her sister, Regina, for always being by her side. Through every step of this journey, Regina's love and steady presence have been a gift Teresa will never forget.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A celebration of Rod's life will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m., with Father Arockia Doss officiating.

Rod will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Rodkey Dale “Rod” Roberts.