In Loving Memory of
Alexander Hobbs Roach, Jr.
01/01/2025
A Purposeful, Faith-Led Life of Service
Alexander Hobbs Roach, Jr. was born on May 5, 1942, in Florence, Alabama to Ms. Carrie Ingram Hobbs and Mr. Alexander "Sonny" Roach (both deceased). Raised in Cloverdale, he is affectionately remembered as "Sweetheart," "Red," "Al," "Coach Roach," "Scout Master," and "Granddaddy." He was admired for his strength, intellect, and unshakable faith.
On December 30, 2024, between 11:11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Alexander passed peacefully, surrounded by his devoted wife, Dr. Olivia Roach, and his three adult children.
From his early years on a small North Alabama farm, a graduate of West End High School and Alabama A&M University to his nearly four-decade career as a Systems Engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense, Alexander exemplified perseverance and service. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology while excelling in football, baseball, and boxing. His professional work with Xerox, 3M, Honeywell, Hibbett Sports, and Primerica reflected a life of consistent achievement and civic progress.
At Redstone Arsenal, he contributed to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and DARPA programs—efforts that earned his team White House recognition for manufacturing advancement. Alexander was also a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Voluntary Service.
Beyond his federal service, Alexander served as a mentor and robotics coach through the FIRST LEGO League, guiding students in STEM and character development. Under his and Dr. Olivia Roach's mentorship, their team advanced to the 2016 FIRST LEGO League World Championship, proudly representing Alabama. His leadership inspired a generation of future engineers, innovators, and leaders who continue to honor his example of patience, integrity, and excellence.
As a long-standing Scout Master and Troop Leader with the Boy Scouts of America, Alexander helped young men build confidence, leadership, and civic responsibility. His troop's achievements included regional recognition and community projects that continued long after his retirement from scouting.
A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Eta Rho Lambda Chapter) and The 100 Black Men of America, he mentored youth and inspired leadership grounded in faith, education, and discipline.
A Life Shared in Love and Partnership
Alexander met Dr. Olivia Roach at Pagano Gym on Redstone Arsenal Army Base in Huntsville, Alabama. Their shared dedication to federal service and community purpose led to marriage and a decade of continuous residence at 121 Fairington Road NW, affectionately known as Fairington Hause™.
Dr. Roach, a decorated and honorably discharged United States Navy Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Trained Veteran and distinguished member of the Hospital Corps, was recognized nationally for humanitarian and government service. She also received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Voluntary Service.
With backgrounds in Combat Medical Training, Aerospace Medicine—working with Flight Surgeons and medical residents almost daily—in addition to Information Assurance and Artificial Intelligence, Olivia brought both medical and technical precision to her husband's life's work and overall care, which she nurtured lovingly and successfully by the grace of God. Her efforts extended Alexander's life through twelve recoveries, earning him the affectionate title "The Man with Twelve Lives."
While attending classes and completing astrophysics classes on the campus of Harvard University toward becoming a Theoretical Physicist—including earning her Master of Legal Studies from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and pursuing coursework. She also completed civil and domestic mediation training and faithfully served the courts.
Together, Alexander and Olivia embodied a rare partnership of intellect, faith, and resilience. Despite facing health challenges, Alexander refused retirement for three consecutive years, determined to continue his life's work in service to others. His steadfast choice reflected both his pride in his mission and the quiet strength of Olivia, who supported him daily as his fiercest advocate and companion. He passed while still active in service as Olivia remained within the same home where their laughter, faith, and shared purpose filled every room. Under duress, she later relocated to a beautiful home in the same Huntsville 35806 area as Fairington Hause.
Faith, Service, and Legacy
Alexander's life reflected devotion to God, dedication to country, and love for family. He served nearly forty years with the Department of Defense, championed innovation, and guided future leaders by example.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife and federal widow, Dr. Olivia Roach of Huntsville, Alabama; his three adult children—Alexia, Adrienne, and Brian Roach; grandson David K.A. Matthews; and sister Zandra Roach of Florence, Alabama.
Alexander Hobbs Roach, Jr.
01/01/2025
A Purposeful, Faith-Led Life of Service
Alexander Hobbs Roach, Jr. was born on May 5, 1942, in Florence, Alabama to Ms. Carrie Ingram Hobbs and Mr. Alexander "Sonny" Roach (both deceased). Raised in Cloverdale, he is affectionately remembered as "Sweetheart," "Red," "Al," "Coach Roach," "Scout Master," and "Granddaddy." He was admired for his strength, intellect, and unshakable faith.
On December 30, 2024, between 11:11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Alexander passed peacefully, surrounded by his devoted wife, Dr. Olivia Roach, and his three adult children.
From his early years on a small North Alabama farm, a graduate of West End High School and Alabama A&M University to his nearly four-decade career as a Systems Engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense, Alexander exemplified perseverance and service. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology while excelling in football, baseball, and boxing. His professional work with Xerox, 3M, Honeywell, Hibbett Sports, and Primerica reflected a life of consistent achievement and civic progress.
At Redstone Arsenal, he contributed to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and DARPA programs—efforts that earned his team White House recognition for manufacturing advancement. Alexander was also a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Voluntary Service.
Beyond his federal service, Alexander served as a mentor and robotics coach through the FIRST LEGO League, guiding students in STEM and character development. Under his and Dr. Olivia Roach's mentorship, their team advanced to the 2016 FIRST LEGO League World Championship, proudly representing Alabama. His leadership inspired a generation of future engineers, innovators, and leaders who continue to honor his example of patience, integrity, and excellence.
As a long-standing Scout Master and Troop Leader with the Boy Scouts of America, Alexander helped young men build confidence, leadership, and civic responsibility. His troop's achievements included regional recognition and community projects that continued long after his retirement from scouting.
A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Eta Rho Lambda Chapter) and The 100 Black Men of America, he mentored youth and inspired leadership grounded in faith, education, and discipline.
A Life Shared in Love and Partnership
Alexander met Dr. Olivia Roach at Pagano Gym on Redstone Arsenal Army Base in Huntsville, Alabama. Their shared dedication to federal service and community purpose led to marriage and a decade of continuous residence at 121 Fairington Road NW, affectionately known as Fairington Hause™.
Dr. Roach, a decorated and honorably discharged United States Navy Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Trained Veteran and distinguished member of the Hospital Corps, was recognized nationally for humanitarian and government service. She also received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Voluntary Service.
With backgrounds in Combat Medical Training, Aerospace Medicine—working with Flight Surgeons and medical residents almost daily—in addition to Information Assurance and Artificial Intelligence, Olivia brought both medical and technical precision to her husband's life's work and overall care, which she nurtured lovingly and successfully by the grace of God. Her efforts extended Alexander's life through twelve recoveries, earning him the affectionate title "The Man with Twelve Lives."
While attending classes and completing astrophysics classes on the campus of Harvard University toward becoming a Theoretical Physicist—including earning her Master of Legal Studies from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and pursuing coursework. She also completed civil and domestic mediation training and faithfully served the courts.
Together, Alexander and Olivia embodied a rare partnership of intellect, faith, and resilience. Despite facing health challenges, Alexander refused retirement for three consecutive years, determined to continue his life's work in service to others. His steadfast choice reflected both his pride in his mission and the quiet strength of Olivia, who supported him daily as his fiercest advocate and companion. He passed while still active in service as Olivia remained within the same home where their laughter, faith, and shared purpose filled every room. Under duress, she later relocated to a beautiful home in the same Huntsville 35806 area as Fairington Hause.
Faith, Service, and Legacy
Alexander's life reflected devotion to God, dedication to country, and love for family. He served nearly forty years with the Department of Defense, championed innovation, and guided future leaders by example.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife and federal widow, Dr. Olivia Roach of Huntsville, Alabama; his three adult children—Alexia, Adrienne, and Brian Roach; grandson David K.A. Matthews; and sister Zandra Roach of Florence, Alabama.
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