Freeman Hoyt Roberts

Freeman Hoyt Roberts, known to family and friends as Hoyt, was born on July 25, 1934, in Plant City, Florida, and passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025.

Hoyt was the son of Adral and Mary Roberts, who raised him on a farm in Plant City. Growing up with strong values of hard work and service, Hoyt carried those principles throughout his life.

On November 25, 1952, Hoyt proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country honorably for 9 years and 14 days, until his discharge on December 8, 1961. During his naval service, he served aboard the USS Sarsfield (DD-837) and the USS Monrovia (APA-31).

Following his military service, Hoyt devoted himself to raising his three daughters. He worked as a Park Ranger at Hillsborough State Park before relocating his family to Trenton, Florida, in 1972, where he became a Correctional Officer. Later, Hoyt went to work for the State of Florida in the Physical Plant at the University of Florida, serving as a maintenance employee until his retirement in 1996.

Hoyt was known as a good and kind man who never met a stranger. He loved to talk, enjoyed meeting new people, and had a gift for making friends wherever he went.

An avid outdoorsman, Hoyt loved hunting in the Tide Swamp Management Area in Steinhatchee, Florida, where he once owned a second home. He was actively involved in the community and volunteered with the Taylor County Search & Rescue Team. After retirement, Hoyt developed a love for yard sales and estate sales, and he enjoyed collecting old clocks.

Above all else, Hoyt was a devoted Florida Gators fan. Whether watching from home or cheering in person at the stadium, Gator football brought him great joy. His signature Gator cap was rarely far from him and became a symbol of his unwavering team pride.

Hoyt was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Bronson Road Church.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn Stephens; his great-granddaughter, Quinlee Rose Clark; his brother, Roy Roberts; and his parents, Adral and Mary Roberts.

Hoyt is survived by his loving daughters Teresa Riggs, Connie Conley, and Elizabeth Roberts. As well as, 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and three nephews, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy in his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the home of his granddaughter, Jennifer Jones 13497 NE Highway 349 Old Town, Florida 32680.

Hoyt will be remembered for his kindness, his service to his country, his love for family, and his lifelong devotion to the Florida Gators. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Watson-Milton Funeral Home in Trenton, Fl is honored to assist the family of Hoyt Roberts. www.watsonmilton.com 352.463.8888