Eric Bruce "Bronson" Roberts

Eric Bruce Roberts Sr, age 63, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 21, 2017, at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia. He was born October 29, 1953, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, son of the late Andrew "Lee" Roberts and Helen Rhodes Roberts. Many also knew him by his nicknames Ricky or Bronson.

He was a 1973 graduate of John Handley High School, wherein he played basketball. While in high school he enjoyed woodworking and electronics shop, which served him well during his employment with Potomac Edison Electric Company as an electrician and later with his DJ Services business. In later years, he drove school busses in addition to his DJ business. In his spare time, he enjoyed coaching children's basketball.

Eric enjoyed tinkering with electronics and making his own "contraptions". He displayed a wonderful knack for solving problems. It was evident at a young age that he had a natural curiosity about how things worked.

As a youngster, he and his brothers once built a go cart from scratch using a discarded lawnmower motor, wood planks and rope! It took him and two of his brothers to operate! One to steer (with a rope), one to sit in the middle as brakeman (using feet), and one to operate the throttle (by hand)! His brothers would often lament and laugh later about how they could have all been killed on that "thing", when the rope broke once and there was no steerage nor brakes into oncoming traffic!

Eric also enjoyed riding motorcycles, so much so, that he was quickly tagged with the nickname "Bronson" as a teenager, based on a popular TV series at the time called Then Came Bronson".

Eric's gift of music and passion for making people feel good lead to the creation of 7th Heaven Disco. He became wildly popular in the local and Washington Metro areas as a notable, talented DJ. That success made him highly sought as a "soundman" and promoter for national and regional entertainers, including the acclaimed Chuck Brown, Backyard Band and Trouble Funk, popular "Go-go" bands.

He is recognized as a local fixture of local pop culture, while obtaining true legendary status among his legion of fans. Spanning over three decades, Eric DJ'd for countless birthdays, cookouts, parties, and social events. However, nothing gave him more pleasure than performing for personal relatives and his involvement with The Annual Family Day event in Winchester. Moreover, Eric played an instrumental role in the entrance of one of the first African America floats in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade.

Eric truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. He enjoyed; friends and family. He had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.

He is survived by his sons, Eric (Serina) Roberts, Jr., Aldawin Smith, and Honorary son Izaiah Eylicio; Daughters Irvette Reeves, Carla Lane, Step daughter Solita Barr; brothers, Andrew (Lynn) Roberts, Rabb Roberts, Carl Roberts, Tony Roberts, Spody Jackson; Sister, Chiquita Roberts, Jody (Al) Meadows, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is survived by his companion Lindsay Chavis of Winchester, Virginia.

Celebration of life will be held at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, located on 1317 South Pleasant Valley Road, in Winchester, Virginia, on Monday, August 28, 2017. Viewing 10:00a.m., Service 11:00 a.m., with the Repast in the Fellowship Hall after interment. Pastor Gilbert Mack will officiate, Rev. Floyd Coates will preach the eulogy.

Interment will be in Locust Grove Cemetery,5300 Locust Grove Street in Stephens City, Virginia.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted the care of Cartwright Funeral Home. Expressions of love. In lieu of flowers can be sent to the American Heart Association in Eric's name.

Additionally, family, friends, and others whose lives Eric touched are also invited to reminisce, grieve, support each other at a Wake on Sunday, August 27, 2017, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Cartwright Funeral Home, 232 East Fairfax lane, Winchester, Virginia .

Candle light vigil and balloon release hosted by the community will be held Sunday, August 27, 2017 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Douglass Park, Winchester, Virginia.

The family extends its heartfelt thank you to everyone!

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to
Cartwright Funeral Home
Winchester, Virginia
cartwrightfuneralhome.com