David Lee Roberts

David Lee Roberts, age 70, of Ocala, Florida, passed away June 21, 2024. He was born

September 17, 1953, in Columbia, South Carolina, the son of John and Lois Roberts. John was

stationed in the area serving the US military.

David spent most of his youth growing up in Sarasota Florida with his sister Clairece and

brother Buddy. In his teenage and early 20’s he ran heavy equipment for John Roberts & Sons

Land Clearing. He also enjoyed professional bowling, motorcycles, horses and his favorite car,

an impressive Chevy Chevelle.

On July 4th, 1973 David and Diane Wallace shared their first date. Diane soon became the love

of his life, and they were wed less than 6 months later on December 07, 1973. They spent the

next few years enjoying life, family, four wheeling, fishing, boating and hunting. In 1975, David

started the plumbing trade working for Dianes’ dad, Earl Wallace, at his company Pioneer

Plumbing of Sarasota, established in 1954. David excelled in the business as he did many

things he tried his hand at and went on to earn his Master Plumbing Contractor license. Earl,

David, Diane along with her uncles and cousins, ran the family business with great success.

On March 7th,1979, David and Diane were blessed with the birth of their child Jason. During

those years of managing the business, they enjoyed many adventures together raising their

son. Scuba diving, lobstering and offshore fishing were big passions. Saltwater fishing became

more than a hobby when David acquired his commercial fishing license and sold his catch

locally. With family and friends great times and happy memories were made. David and Diane

have always had a passion for water activities. He was extremely talented and athletic at

almost any endeavor. David enjoyed riding and training horses and eventually took his love of

horses up a notch when he started barrel racing on a serious level. This passion stayed with

him for the rest of his days.

In 2003, after running a few successful businesses, raising a wonderful son, and enjoying what

southern Florida had to offer, David and his family retired the businesses. They moved to Ocala

Florida where they purchased a beautiful horse farm. Once again showing impressive skill,

David constructed a palatial horse barn he took much pride in. He was quite the expert

craftsman as well.

David and Diane went on to travel and compete across the US. They did well winning barrel

races and enjoying the “Ride.” David was also known for traveling with his favorite aussie dog

Panda. If you ever saw David and Diane you had to notice Panda and her border collie Karma

by their sides. After Panda “ Pooh Bear '' passed, he filled his heart again with another fur baby,

a mini aussie he named Zoey, who was by his side every day until his last. David treated all his

animals to the best, he loved them all dearly and attributed his animal intuitiveness to his Native

American heritage. David owned many great horses, “Moonshine” was by far his top pride and

joy, now retired and living the easy life. They all brought him substantial amounts of joy and he

was happiest caring for them and of course showering them with peppermint treats. He never

left the barn without a pocketful!

One day a horse came into their barrel racing program that changed everything. After working

with this horse for some time, David knew that he had to come up with something different and

better than what was offered for training aids. Combining 60-plus years of experience in training

horses this entrepreneurial pair patented the most complete tool for any age of rider in any

discipline in the equestrian world, the Equine ProBalancer. David has touched many lives in the

horse industry with this amazing product.

The ProBalancer will continue in David's name and is sure to impact and benefit both horse

and rider for many years.

After 15 years in Ocala at the horse farm, David and Diane decided it was time to slow down a

bit and sold their beautiful horse farm and bought a dream property for retirement in an equine

community. The place they looked at and desired for the easier years ahead came onto the

market and they purchased it in 2018. They enjoyed trail riding and swimming with Zoey in the

pool. The love of water came back into play by purchasing a home on the Rainbow River.

David and Diane once again enjoyed boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and being in nature at

the river with Jason and their fur babies. David loved taking the dogs out on the boat, boards,

kayaks, and most recently Zoey on the Wave Runner.

The family’s last years together were full of such great times. They built many wonderful

memories and shared their fun with family and friends. David was always creative, and

innovative and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and talents with people. Also his food. David

loved to cook and grill. Not much gave him more pleasure than serving up a plate of his well

known mouth watering, tasty crab cakes. A secret recipe he never shared with anyone,

although it was highly demanded!

Near the end of 2023, David’s years of back pain he suffered from took a turn for the worse. In

an attempt to correct the issues he endured three failed surgeries along with other exacerbating

health issues, David went to be with the Lord.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory; wife, Diane Roberts; son, Jason Roberts; mother, Lois

Roberts-Clarke; sister, Clairece Padilla; brother-in-law, Peter Padilla; brother, “Buddy” Roberts,

along with a beloved niece and many nephews, great niece and great nephews, aunts, uncles

and cousins.

A Graveside Service has been scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Highland Memorial Park. The address for Highland Memorial is 1515 NE Third St Ocala, Florida 34470

In remembrance of David’ s life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be

made to HUMANE SOCIETY OF MARION COUNTY, PO Box 1542, Ocala, FL 34478-1542.