Cary Lee Roberts

Cary Lee Roberts, a beloved son, brother, uncle, accomplished professional, and community leader, passed away December 3, 2023, in Austin at the age of 55. A visitation will be 1 – 2 p.m. Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene. Following visitation, a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. also at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. 

Born April 14, 1968, in Abilene, Texas, Cary was the cherished son of Linda and Garner Roberts. Cary graduated from Abilene Christian High School in 1986 and continued his education at Abilene Christian University, setting the stage for a life marked by intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence.

A visionary and community builder, Cary co-founded Texas Writers Month, an annual event that celebrated and supported the literary talents of Texas writers through book signings, readings, and statewide events. This initiative, which ran from 1994 to the early 2000s, stands as a testament to Cary's passion for fostering artistic expression and cultural enrichment.

Cary's commitment to service was exemplified through his achievements as an Eagle Scout and his role as National Vice-Chief of the Order of the Arrow in Boy Scouts of America. In 1988 he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest recognition for exceptional volunteerism within the Order.

With about thirty years of experience in communications, digital strategy, public affairs, and state government relations, Cary was a seasoned professional. His illustrious career included partnership in Casteel & Roberts and service as media relations officer for the Texas Association of Counties, where he managed diverse policy issues in Texas and southeastern states.

Cary's expertise extended to his role as the Executive Director of the Greater Austin Crime Commission for an impressive 26 years. Most recently he served as the Principal of Vigil, a consulting and government relations firm based in Austin. Cary's impact on the political landscape was significant, having managed numerous political campaigns at the local and state levels, and he held key positions in organizations such as the Texas Civil Justice League, where he directed the league’s Judicial Education Alliance in the early 1990s.

An award-winning writer and multimedia producer, Cary returned to the Texas Civil Justice League as Communications Director in 2000, leaving an indelible mark on the organization. His dedication to justice and effective communication also was reflected in an earlier role as Director of Legislative Information Services at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.

Cary Lee Roberts will be remembered not only for his professional achievements and advocacy for civil justice, law enforcement and first responders, but also for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his contributions to the community will endure in the hearts of many.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Linda, and his maternal and paternal grandparents. 

Cary is survived by his loving father, Garner Roberts of Abilene; brothers, Koy Roberts and his fiancé Sarah of Garland, Texas, and Aaron Roberts and his wife Amy of Corpus Christi, Texas; one nephew, Kash Roberts; four nieces, Reese Roberts, Hanna Roberts, Ella Roberts, and Clara Roberts; and countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey. 

A memorial service is planned for Cary in January at the Capitol in Austin.  Memorial gifts in his honor may be directed to Abilene Christian University (Box 29132, Abilene TX 79699) for the Johne and R.L. Roberts Endowed Scholarship Fund or to Operation Blue Santa or the PAL program of Austin Police Department.