Randy Travis’s heartfelt Facebook post bids a fond farewell to a friend

Country music singer Randy Travis has sent his condolences to his close buddy and stagehand.

Thomas Roberts, a former stagehand for Travis, passed away on July 10 according to a Facebook post by Travis. Travis remarked, “The stage has dimmed with Thom Roberts’ passing.”

“For many years, one of the top stage lighting specialists in the business shared the twisting roads and stunning settings with the Randy Travis band and crew. Thom had a fantastic knack for setting the mood on stage and a soft, alluring charisma that captivated you. Always willing to provide a hand and has a “can do” and “glad to do it” attitude.

Thom was a “gentle giant of a man who carried a song in his heart and wore a constant smile on his face,” according to Travis. It would take years to discover someone with a better, gentler demeanour.

A former stagehand for country star Randy Travis was allegedly shot dead by his wife because she believed he was having an affair, according to authorities. https://t.co/8AixvmHAro

— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 11, 2023

Thom was a friend of mine who I cherished. When we hit the road again for Randy Travis’ “More Life” tour the following week, the music won’t be as great, but I’ll be reminded of the blessing it was to have Thom Roberts with us for so many miles and so many memories.

“It certainly won’t be the same; and, I know I speak for the entire band and crew when I say, the light that he truly created, in our hearts, will never be extinguished or forgotten,” Travis continued. Tonight, when I gaze to the heavens, I’m confident that I’ll see sparks of Thom’s creation in the night sky, signalling to us that he is at home and that everything is alright.

Thomas was reportedly shot and passed away at the age of 68. Police sources claim that Roberts’ wife, Christine Ann Roberts, 72, shot him.

A longtime stagehand for country star Randy Travis was gunned down by his wife, “who said that she shot her husband because he had cheated on her."https://t.co/zG2zmRCeqX

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) July 11, 2023

The report states that Thomas was standing on their front porch around 8 o’clock when the gunshot entered his chest. Upon being apprehended, Christine told police that “she had shot her husband because he had cheated on her.”

Whether or whether those assertions are accurate is debatable. A nearby neighbour who heard the gunshots and saw Thomas lying on the ground dialled 911.

Thomas was pronounced dead on the spot. He had served as Randy Travis’ stagehand for 20 years prior to Randy having a stroke in 2013, according to Today.