Obituary: Randy Roberts

LAKELAND, Fla. — Services were held here last week for Randy Roberts, government relations director for Publix Super Markets. He died suddenly at his home, also here in Publix's headquarters city, earlier this month at age 36. Local reports said the cause of death may have been a heart attack. Roberts, a six-year veteran of the chain, was Publix's top lobbyist to state and local governments, according to local reports. “The Publix family has experienced a great loss today,” Maria Brous, a spokeswoman for Publix, told SN. “Our hearts ache for his family.” Roberts is survived by his wife, Sara, and two children. As vice chairman of the Florida Retail Federation, Roberts was scheduled to become its chairman next January. “Roberts was one of Florida's finest young leaders and was an integral part of the Florida Retail Federation family,” said Rick McAllister, president and chief executive officer, FRF.