Randy Travis Says Goodbye to Dear Friend in Heartfelt Facebook Post: Country music star Randy Travis has shared his condolences for his dear friend and former stagehand, Thomas Roberts. Travis announced Roberts’ passing in a heartfelt Facebook post on July 10. “With the passing of Thom Roberts, the stage has dimmed,” he wrote.
“For many years, the Randy Travis band and crew had the privilege of traveling the winding roads and performing at beautiful venues with one of the industry’s finest stage lighting technicians. Thom had a gentle, captivating presence that touched your soul and a remarkable talent for lighting a stage. He was always ready to help with a ‘can do’ and ‘glad to do it’ attitude.”
Travis described Thom as “a gentle giant of a man who always wore a smile and had a song in his heart. It would take a lifetime to find someone with a kinder, gentler attitude.”
“Thom was my friend, and I loved him. When we return to the road next week for the ‘More Life’ tour, the music won’t be as wonderful without him. However, I will always remember the blessing of having Thom Roberts with us for so many miles and memories,” Travis continued. “It certainly won’t be the same, and I know I speak for the entire band and crew when I say, the light he created in our hearts will never be extinguished or forgotten. Tonight, I’ll look to heaven, and I’m sure I’ll see flashes of Thom’s handiwork in the night sky, letting us know he’s home and everything is fine.”
Reports indicate that Thomas Roberts was shot and killed at the age of 68. Police sources state that Roberts was shot by his wife, Christine Ann Roberts, 72.
The report mentions that the gunshot struck Thomas in the chest while he was standing on their front porch around 8 p.m. Christine told officers upon her arrest that “she had shot her husband because he had cheated on her.”
It remains uncertain whether those statements are true. A nearby neighbor, who heard the gunshots, called 911 after witnessing Thomas lying on the floor.