I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and throughout the City of Mobile and Mobile County on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to honor the service of former Alabama State Senator William Leslie Roberts, who passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in Mobile in 1941, Bill Roberts attended public schools in Alabama’s Port City before graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also performed post graduate studies in History and Political Science at the University of South Alabama. Bill Roberts spent his entire lengthy working career – whether in public office or in healthcare administration – elevating the quality of medical and nursing care for Alabamians. Wearing many hats, he served as Administrator of Cogburn Nursing and Convalescent Center in Mobile followed by President and CEO of Cogburn Health and Rehabilitation Services. In 1970, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives where he championed environmental and health legislation and was instrumental in helping secure initial funding for the University of South Alabama Medical School. He was elected to the State Senate in 1974 where he continued leading efforts to protect Alabama’s environment while also boosting healthcare and education. Furthermore, he served on the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and chaired the Mobile County Foundation for Public Higher Education. A true Mobilian, Bill Roberts devoted his limited free time to upholding Alabama’s Mardi Gras tradition. He was a knight in two courts and Folly for the Knights of Revelry. Senator Bill Roberts’ long legacy of service to Mobile and all of Alabama will never be forgotten.

The flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the City of Mobile and Mobile County may be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the date of former State Senator Bill Robert’s interment.