Randy Ray Roberts

Randy Ray Roberts, 73, of Waco, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with The Rev. Sutton Lowe, Assistant Rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco, officiating. A most fitting home-going celebration will follow at Diamondbacks Steakhouse.

Randy was born on September 8, 1952, in Bay City, Texas, to Anne and Ray Roberts. He attended grade school in Bay City and later moved to Hawaii with his family, where he attended Kailua High School and graduated in 1971. He also attended Sam Houston University.

Randy was a visionary entrepreneur whose impact on the Waco community will be felt for generations. He began his business career by opening Kelly’s Nightclub in Waco in 1988, laying the foundation for what would become a legacy of successful ventures. He later founded and helped develop well-known establishments in Waco including Diamondbacks Restaurant, Burgers and Blues, and starting the first Margarita and Salsa Festival in 1995 in the Diamondbacks parking lot in honor of his grandmother and the Arthritis Foundation. His legacy will live on, and he will be remembered for his innovative ideas that led to the revitalization of downtown Waco. He was also the owner of the legendary Showtime Club, which was opened by his father in 1969. Randy was owner and operator until he sold it in 2023. His passion, determination, and forward-thinking spirit made him a respected leader, innovator and always a man way ahead of his time.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Randy was known for his generous heart and dedication to his community. He was always there for his many friends and had the most kind and generous heart. He was a proud supporter of local organizations and causes, always willing to give back and encourage others. To those who knew him, he was not only a businessman, but also a mentor, a friend, and a man who truly cared for people and animals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Anne Glenn, and Ray and Merlene Roberts.

Randy is survived by his beloved wife, Amy Hunter Roberts; his sons, Parker Goodrum and Randy Ray Roberts Jr.; a daughter, April Roberts; grandchildren, Tristen Young, Jacob Roberts and Victoria Roberts; and great-grandchildren, Xailah and Xaine McGowan. He is also survived by his brother, Keith Roberts, and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.

Pallbearers will be Keith Roberts, Randy Oden, Paul Nardell, Brad Boozer, Randy Crook, Robert Hyde, Wayne Redding, Rick Shelton, and George Wolfe.

Honorary pallbearers include Corky Campisi, Louis Brown, Dwayne Densman, Wayne Green, and the Waco Goodfellas.

Randy will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the lasting mark he left on the Waco community. His legacy lives on through his family, his businesses, and the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, the Waco Boys & Girls Club, or the Waco Goodfellas.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Randy in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com