The Rev. Robert Eugene "Bob" Roach

1950 - 2024

The Rev. Robert "Bob" Eugene Roach

September 3, 1950 - February 18, 2024

The Reverend Robert "Bob" Eugene Roach, 73, of Hickory, passed away on February 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob grew up in Greensboro, NC. He was the son of the late Carolyn Hipps Roach and George Harold Roach. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Townsend Roach.

Bob is survived by his wife, Rebecca Hoover Roach, of Hickory, NC; one son, Robert Ryan Roach, his wife, Shannon, and their children, Teague, Virginia, and Pressley of Wilmington, NC; one daughter, Elizabeth Roach Roseman and Jason, her husband, and their children, Charlotte Gray and Kate of Charlotte, NC; brother, George Harold Roach and his wife, Sharon, of Knightdale, NC; sister, Susan Carolyn Roach of Greensboro, NC; sister-n-law, Mary Ben Roach of Greensboro, NC; brother- in- law, Rod Hoover and his wife, Cornelia, of Charlotte, NC; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was a graduate of Grimsley High School, Greensboro, NC, in 1968. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Chapel Hill in 1972 and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 1974. He was a beloved United Methodist Minster in the Western North Carolina Conference and served churches for over 43 years. He never missed a Sunday. His service to God included New London United Methodist Church, Ann Street United Methodist Church, Mills River United Methodist Church, Biltmore United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, Morganton, District Superintendency of the Marion District, and First United Methodist, Hickory. During his ministry, he was a member and leader of the Board of Ordained Ministries.

When Bob retired in 2013, Becky and he made Hickory their home. In retirement, Bob was the Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, President of the Kiwanis Club, President of Goforth (Senior Adults of First United Methodist, Hickory). He sang in the church choir, played in the New Horizons Band, and enjoyed a Thursday golf group. Bob loved all the churches he served, his wife, Becky, his children, Ryan and Beth, and their five grandchildren. He was a gifted musician (singer, guitar and tuba player), artist, golfer, gardener, and a true fan of the University of North Carolina Tarheels. In the 1970's, he even played the sousaphone in the UNC Chapel Hill marching band.

A service to celebrate Bob's life will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at First United Methodist Church of Hickory. The Reverends Paul Christy, Paul B. Thompson, Lee Strange, James P. Marsh, and Larry Hayes officiating. The family will receive friends before the service in the Community Room of the church from 12 to 1:45 p.m.

The family would like to thank Carolina Caring (Hospice), its loving nurses and all who cared for/loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 311 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601; with designation to the Music Ministry for a commissioned hymn of praise for Bob.