Funeral services for Virgil Newton Roach, 100, of Alba, were held on July 9, at Sand Springs Baptist Church, Mineola, with Bro. Darel Roach, Will Louderman, and Chad Roach officiating.
Interment followed at Salem Cemetery, Alba. Serving as pallbearers were Scott Lyles, Jim Osborn, Randy Wright, Bruce Figura, Ronnie Latham, and Ruben Hernandez. Honorary Pallbearers were Marcus Hill, Chuck Roach, and Kent McAree.
Mr. Roach died on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at his residence in Alba. He was born on February 20, 1925, in Wood County, to Joe Newton and Addie Lee Gill Roach. He spent his entire life in the Alba–Lake Fork area and was a member of County Line Baptist Church in Yantis. On August 22, 1943, he married the love of his life, Fay West, in Wills Point.
He was a familiar presence in local parades, proudly riding with his mules and wagon full of family and friends. He had a special place in his heart for “Special Kids Day” in Golden, where he enjoyed giving his time and energy.
He was a lifelong farmer and rancher and was known for his generosity. He was always eager to share with friends, family, and neighbors. His life was a testament to kindness, community, and a love for the simple, meaningful things.
Mr. Roach is survived by four sons, Glenn Roach of Shirley, Larry Roach and wife Mary of Yantis, V.T. Roach and wife Lena of Cherokee, Oklahoma, and Richard Roach and wife Tina of Golden; five daughters, Deloris Taylor and husband Lester of Kaufman, Gloria Chaney of Sulphur Springs, Becky Kennedy of Hawkins, Sue Jones and husband Phil of Golden; and Angela Maynard and husband Jim of Golden; 33 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; 51 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 69 years, Fay West Roach; four brothers, Birley Roach, Robert Roach, Theodore Roach, and Jimmy Roach; four sisters, Anna Lee Pope, Vaunice Thorn, Mauddell Hill, and Tinnie Mae Roach; five grandchildren, Kenneth Scott Burns, Justin Roach, Gary Boyd, Dorrie Tanner, and Amy Marie Hass; five great-grandchildren, Madison Moffett, Kate Louderman, Garrett Lorenz, Emery Jane Roach, and Chanie Gale Stieber; and daughter-in-law of 52 years, Jo Ann Roach.
Services were under the direction of Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home, Alba.