The Newberry City Commission issued a proclamation designating Oct. 17, 2023, as Blaine Roberson Day in Newberry on Monday. City staff also announced plans to name the newest field in Jimmy Durden Park after Roberson. 

George Blaine Roberson was a former recreation employee who died in May at the age of 34. 

Roberson worked for the Newberry Recreation Department for six years, from 2012 to 2018, and he never stopped looking for places to improve, Parks and Recreation Director Travis Parker said in his presentation to the City Commission. 

Parker said Roberson would text him regularly to point out things to repair in the community, up until a few months ago. 

“Blaine’s dedication to his community was unmatched,” Parker said. “Fighting his health battles while still working to care for the community of Newberry. If you knew Blaine, you knew he was going through a lot of struggles and showed up here every single day.” 

The city’s proclamation of Blaine Roberson Day cited Roberson’s dedication and servanthood, calling him “a cherished colleague and friend to many within our City Government family, offering support, guidance, and inspiration to his fellow coworkers.” 

Mayor Jordan Marlowe presented the proclamation to Roberson’s wife, Marti, with two extra copies for each of the Roberson children. 

“He loved you guys,” Marti Roberson said in a speech at the meeting. “He loved all of you guys, and he loved working with you and seeing you every day even after he didn’t work here. So, I just really appreciate you guys loving on him, too.”