Wade Edwin Roach

Wade Edwin Roach, 73, passed away March 13, 2013, after a long illness of cancer and C.O.P.D.

He was born in Emanuel County, Georgia on July 22, 1939, son of Betty Womack Roach and Raymond Roach.

Wade attended primary schools in Garfield and Pooler, Ga. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1957 and Armstrong Junior College, (now Armstrong Atlantic University) in 1960 in Savannah, Ga. He worked for 3 years at Hercules Powder Co. before deciding to continue his studies at Clemson University, S.C. He was graduated in 1965 with a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering. He served his country in the Georgia National Guard during the years of 1957-1963.

Wade took a job with Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. in Plymouth, N.C. in 1965. He became active in the Jay-Cee Men's Club, helping to establish Jay-Cees throughout Eastern N.C. and served as state vice-president. He transferred to Valiant, Okla. in 1971 for the startup of the linerboard mill. Nine years later, he came to New Bern as a bleach plant superintendent, when Weyerhaeuser Co. established a mill near New Bern. He was a longtime member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. Wade gave 39 years of devoted service to Weyerhaeuser Co. until he retired in 2003. Wade was a member of several professional groups in the country as all worked to improve the environment of paper mills. He was in the early beginnings of improving waste management and non-pollution of waterways in the mill industry, especially those in NC. He loved his country, his family, outdoor activities, and following Clemson's athletic teams. He enjoyed working with wood and could make or mend anything.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Roach and infant son, Paul Roach.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Crawford Roach; his father, Raymond J. Roach of Pooler, Ga.; two sons, Adam W. Roach and fiancé Sarah Spellman of New Bern, Seth J. Roach and wife Heather of Dade City, Fla. He is also survived by two stepsons, Karl Meyers and wife Denise and Erik Meyers, all of New Bern. Grandchildren include Charlie Meyers and Ian Roach. Siblings are Rita Roach Channell and husband Larry of Dahlonega, Ga., Kerry A. Roach and wife Gayle of Pooler, Ga. He will be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Reformation Lutheran Church (NALC) in the chapel of Cotten Funeral Home. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the New Bern Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Reformation Lutheran Church, 507 Craven St., New Bern, NC 28560 or Eastern Pregnancy Profile Information Clinic, 2906 N. Heritage St., Kinston, NC 28501.

Online condolences may be made to the Roach family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.