Lawrence Gene Roberts (Robbie) passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a lifetime of dedicated service to his community.
Born in 1943 in Fort Worth, Texas, he had an adventurous life growing up traveling around this world with his family, with his father being in the United States Marine Corps. Upon graduating from Oceanside High School, Lawrence then joined the United States Air Force and served 8 years. After finishing his military service, he decided to stay in Hampton, Virgina where his last assignment was. He then joined the Hampton Police Division in 1970, beginning what would become a remarkable 50-year career in law enforcement. Over the course of time, he worked for not only the Hampton Police Division, but he also went on to serve with the Victoria, Texas Sheriff’s Office , Newport News Police Department, and then back to the Hampton Police Division as a civilian fingerprint expert.
He attended the Virginia Forensic Science Academy, 3rd Session in 1974, which is devoted to the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively process crime scenes and handle evidence for forensic analysis. In 1977, he then began his tenure with the Newport News Police Department in what was then called the Identification Bureau. Over the years he became a leading expert in forensic science and fingerprint analysis. Throughout his career he was recognized with numerous commendations, to include helping Newport News become the first police department in Hampton Roads to tie into a statewide fingerprint database, known as the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). He was widely respected by his peers, supervisors, and the citizens he served. Lawrence remained at the Newport News Police Department until his sworn service retirement as a Lieutenant in 2004. He then went on to rejoin the Hampton Police Division in their Crime Scene Unit as a latent print examiner expert. He then retired from law enforcement in 2020. Lawrence was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, where he always enjoyed sharing stories of “the good old days” and reconnecting for former colleagues.
Beyond the badge Robbie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janice Roberts, their children Amanda Green and Ryan Roberts (Kallie), and his son Wayne Roberts (Terri), and daughter Renee Coltrain (Jimmy). He is also survived by his sister Sandra Hatcher (Robert), who he was very close with, as well as his grandchildren, Hailey, Jackson, Caroline, Nick, Brett, Dillon, Brooke, and Caitlyn, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Trina Roberts, and his brother Clyde Roberts Jr.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Riverside Regional Hospital, the Gardens at Warwick Forest, and Riverside Hospice for their unwavering and nurturing care during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Robbie can be made to the Newport News Police Foundation, P.O. Box 120496, Newport News, VA 23612.
