Ralph L. “Larry” Roberts, Sr., 77, patriarch of the family that owns the World Equestrian Centers, died March 19 in Ocala.
Mr. Roberts, known as “Senior”, was the founder of R+L Carriers. He started in the trucking business in 1965 with a single Ford truck, moving household furnishings in his spare time while working at Irwin Auger Bit. His warehouse was behind his home. After he linked up with Mayflower, the business grew exponentially.
Family, service, safety, and quality guided Mr. Roberts, who knew those values were shared by drivers, dock workers and office staff. More than 18,000 people are employed by his company.
Mr. Roberts is survived by his wife, Mary, whom he married in 1963; his children, Michelle Carpenter, Ralph L. Roberts, Jr.(Terri) and Roby (Jennifer); seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. Roberts wished people to remember him for his legacy and did not want a memorial or funeral service.