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Gay Willie Roach, Sr.
February 9, 1926 - October 12, 2012

Mr. Gay Willie Roach, Sr. 86, of Trumann, died Friday, October 12, 2012 at the family residence. He was born February 9, 1926 in Cherry Valley, Ark., Mr. Roach was founder of Roach Manufacturing in Trumann, veteran of the U.S. Army and World War II and a member of the First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Charlie Parks, one brother, Wyllie Roach, three sisters, Leslie Roach Lockley, Agnes Roach Martin and Lillian Roach Smith and his parents, James Hampton and Lydia Casey Roach. He is survived by two daughters, Margaret G. Parks of Trumann, and Nandra Roach of Trumann; three sons, Gary Roach (Grayson) of Little Rock, Gay W. Roach Jr., (Kathy) of Trumann, and Mike Roach (Charlotte) of Trumann. 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Trumann, with Dr. Tad Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann. Pallbearers will be Sonny Parrish, Gilbert Wiley, Allen Milligan, Bob Barker, Gayle Grimes, Bob Wacaster, Rusty Wacaster, Keith Long, Darrel Dodd and Edsel Kent. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1301 Highway 69 West, Trumann, Ark., 72472. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

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  1. Neal W. Vickers, Jonesboro, AR says
    October 21, 2012

    From the entire Vickers family - our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are so grateful for the contribution Mr. Gay made to Trumann and the entire NE Arkansas area. He was a true business leader!

  2. camille Timbs, Trumann,Arkansas says
    October 20, 2012

    Nandra, I was so sorry to hear that your father passed away. You are in my thoughts and prayers.......Love you !

  3. Stan Lamb, Jonesboro, AR says
    October 18, 2012

    Our sympathies to all members of the Roach family. Stan and Sharon Lamb

  4. Shirley Mead, Jonesboro, AR says
    October 16, 2012

    Margaret,So sorry for your loss.

  5. Martha Parker, Trumann, Ar says
    October 16, 2012

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Roach will be remembered for all the good things he has done for our community. . He leaves a wonderful legacy.and will be missed.

  6. Donna Woody , says
    October 15, 2012

    Thinking and praying for you all during your loss of a true family patriarch. Know God is with you in every breath and every step. Know that God has made him whole again.

  7. larry johnson, jonesboro, ar. says
    October 15, 2012

    roach family,so sorry for your loss, our prayers go out to you all. johnson family

  8. David & Rhonda Prine, Jonesboro Ark says
    October 15, 2012

    Thank you G.W.SR. Our Prayers Go out to Mrs Marget,Gw jr And Mike Sr .As well as all the Grandkids ... R.I.P ((( Sir )))

  9. APRIL GREGORY-WRIGHT, TRUMANN, AR says
    October 15, 2012

    From Arthur "Bud", Judy, Richard Jr., and April Wright along with Danny Adams, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Roach's family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  10. Jim Berry, Jonesboro,Ar. says
    October 15, 2012

    I just want the family to know how saddened I am about Mr.Roach.I will never forget the day Gay Jr took myself and my son who has passed dove hunting on the farm and Mr.Roach brought us sausage and bisquits on his fourwheeler..... Jim

  11. Mike Terry, Trumann, AR says
    October 15, 2012

    From Mike and Greg Terry and everyone at Innovative Conveyor Concepts, we send our deepest sympathies. As always, you and your families are in our prayers!!!

  12. Earnie Link, Trumann Ar. says
    October 15, 2012

    Mr Roach was a GREAT MAN !!!!

  13. Kenny, Memphis, TN says
    October 14, 2012

    Mike and Family,We are praying for you in this time of loss. Kenny White & Family

  14. George & Beth Nunnally, Bentonville, AR says
    October 14, 2012

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  15. Frank Mathews, Jonesboro, AR says
    October 14, 2012

    Please accept my condolences for the loss of Gay. He was a business associate of mine from the early 1960's, and I well remember buying one of the first Roach coveyors for Dunklin County Compress in Malden, Missouri. I always admired his innovative genius and business acumen which was legendary in the South.

  16. Lonnie & Donna Rose, Trumann says
    October 14, 2012

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow. Mr. Roach will be missed each and everyday that follows.

  17. Kenny, Memphis, TN says
    October 14, 2012

    Mike and Family,We are praying for you in this time of loss. Kenny White & Family

  18. Alyce Faye( Byrd) Elrod, Belleville, Michigan says
    October 13, 2012

    May you find strength in God'spresence at this time,and mayHis love be your Comfort. God Bless Alyce

  19. Larry Cook, Walnut Ridge,Ar. says
    October 13, 2012

    So sorry to hear of your loss of this great man. My prayers are with the family, during these very difficult times.Larry Cook

  20. Ken and Becky Allen, Batesville, Ar says
    October 13, 2012

    Margaret, our prayers are with you and your family.

  21. Wayne n Hester Hogan, Trumann, Ar. says
    October 13, 2012

    Dear Roach Family, I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of Dear friend, Mr. Roach. I know this is very tuff for all of the family. Praying for peace, comfort and understanding for u as u go through the days ahead. God Bless and keep u. In Christ Love Wayne n Hester.

  22. J.E.and Sylvia Qualls, Jonesboro, Arkansas says
    October 13, 2012

    Our Prayers are with you.

  23. Janiece Goucher Daniel, Allen , Texas says
    October 13, 2012

    Mike and Charollet, so sorry for your loss!! sending prayers for strenght and guideness!!

  24. Ron and Kay Massey, Jonesboro says
    October 13, 2012

    So sorry to hear of the death of your dad.

  25. Kenneth and Lori May, Lake City, Arkansas says
    October 13, 2012

    My husband works at Roach Mfg. We were saddened to hear of Mr. Roach's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr Roach.

  26. L. C. McHalffey, Trumann says
    October 13, 2012

    Sorry to hear about your lost. I know he will be greatly missed.

  27. Mary Lee Brock Cunningham, Jonesboro says
    October 13, 2012

    To all of you, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I wasn't well acquainted with Gay Sr., he was a contemporary and friend of my dad's from years ago. [Dad (Ernest)died in '75.] As I read of your loss, I am reminded of the reality of the rapid passing of that whole generation, and it makes me very sad. Men like your Dad contributed so much through their service to our country and to our local community. God bless you all.

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