William “Bill” Judson Roberts, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, public servant, and trusted advisor, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in McKinney, Texas, at the age of 81.
Bill grew up in Gilmer, Texas, where he developed the strong values of family, service, hard work, and community that would guide his life. He graduated from Gilmer High School in 1962 and went on to attend The University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 1966. He received his Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School in 1968 and later pursued postgraduate legal studies at Southern Methodist University in 1977.
In 1968, Bill began practicing law in Collin County, beginning a distinguished legal career that would span nearly six decades. He served as City Attorney for the City of Plano from 1970 to 1978 and later served on the Plano City Council and the Collin County Commissioners Court from 1978 to 1982. From 1983 to 1991, he served as Collin County Judge.
Following his tenure as County Judge, Bill returned to private practice and joined the law firm of Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts, where he practiced from 1992 until 2018. He then continued practicing law independently until recent months, remaining committed to the profession he had devoted his life to and continuing to serve as a trusted advisor to his clients and colleagues.
Bill’s commitment to his community extended well beyond his legal and elected responsibilities. He served as President of the Plano Chamber of Commerce from 1971 to 1974 and as President of the Plano Bar Association. He also served as Secretary to the Collin County Bar Association, Director of the United Way of Plano from 1973 to 1975, and Director of the North Central Texas Industrial Development Authority.
As Collin County Judge, Bill played an important role in the county’s growth and development. He was instrumental in efforts to modernize Collin County’s infrastructure, governance, and public services. His leadership and involvement contributed to projects and initiatives including the development of Collin County Community College, State Highway 190, the sale of Collin Memorial Hospital, recreational open spaces near Lake Lavon, and numerous other improvements that helped shape the county for generations to come.
While Bill accomplished much in his professional and public life, those who knew him best will remember him for the person he was rather than the positions he held. He was intelligent and thoughtful, a public servant who believed in helping his community, and an advisor whose wisdom and counsel were valued by many. He was humble despite his many accomplishments, always putting his family first. He was proud of his family, his community, and the life they built together.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles H. Roberts, Jr. and Eleanor G. “Honey” Roberts, of Gilmer, Texas.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Tamara Roberts, of Van Alstyne, Texas; his children, Ryan Roberts and wife Natalie, of Rockwall, Texas; Marcus Roberts and wife Angela, of Coppell, Texas; Rachel Hisle and husband Neal, of McKinney, Texas; and Joel Roberts and wife Brooke, of Melissa, Texas; nine grandchildren; and his siblings, Lynn Moore, of Frisco, Texas; Tom Roberts and wife Martha, of Branson, Missouri; and Bob Roberts and wife Racheal, of Gilmer, Texas. He is also survived by two nephews and one niece.
Bill leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, wisdom, and devotion to family. His impact on Collin County and the communities he served will endure, but his greatest legacy will be found in the family he loved, the people he guided, and the many lives he touched along the way.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.