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Thomas Roach Obituary
JULIAN — Thomas E. Roach, 42, departed this life on Tuesday, December 23, 2008, at his residence surrounded by his loving family and friends after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 29, at Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Greensboro with Rev. Mark Weekley and Rev. Tim James officiating.
Tom was born in Connersville, Ind., and was raised in Franklin, Ohio. After graduation, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and the NC National Guard, he made his residence in Julian, N.C. Tom then spent his career with the Guilford County Sheriff's Dept., serving and protecting our citizens. He was a member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church. He was an avid sports fan and loyal supporter of the Duke Blue Devils. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, ebay, organizing vacation cruises for his close circle of friends, and most of all spending time with his family.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Tanya, and two daughters, Stephanie and Lauren of the home; his mother and stepfather, Judy and Marvin Lipps of Franklin, Ohio; his father, Bill Roach, of Dayton, Ohio; brothers, Billy Roach (Debbie), Bobby Lipps (Jill), and Scott Roach (Anna); sisters, Rena Carroll (David) and Jody Adkins (Richie); 10 nieces and nephews; and one great-niece; many loving aunts and uncles, one aunt with which he shared a special bond, Carolyn Butterfield, of Cleveland, Ohio.
The Roach family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Sunday evening at George Brothers Funeral Service in Greensboro.
The family extends a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Duke University Medical System where Tom received treatment throughout his illness.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carolina Cross Connection, P.O. Box 1457, Lincolnton, NC 28093.
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sheri cagle (wheeler)
January 1, 2009
Roach Family- I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father/dad, he was a wonderful man, i remember going to talk to him at school when he was at southeast-always had a positive attitude about everything and such a caring man to talk to, also at the ball park when we played softball together, I know it is a tough time-so many thoughts are hear with you.
Scott, Melissa , Rob, Kyle Shirk
December 31, 2008
Tanya,Lauren and Stephanie
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. He was a great man, and we know that he made a positive impact on so many lives. There is no doubt that the community is a better place because of his contributions to so many people.
Amy Brown (The Brady Family)
December 30, 2008
To the Roach family,
We are so sorry for your lose. Detective Roach was a very special person, and we will always remember his kindness and support for our family. He was there for us when we lost Kenneth (a case he had worked on). He got to know our family well. We will miss him dearly.
Sue Faulk
December 30, 2008
Tanya, Stephanie, and Lauren,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your family always had a special place in the Nathanael Greene Elementary School community. Your strong support and love of one another was always evident. I am so very sorry for your loss, your family will be in my prayers.
Sue Faulk
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ASHLEY HAND
December 29, 2008
ASHLEY HAND-GUILFORD METRO 911
Tasha Bestrom
December 29, 2008
My thoughts are with the Roach family in this time of loss. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Officer Roach. He was a great man and was in the hearts of many students at Southeast High School. My prayers are with you.
Julie Combs
December 29, 2008
Tanya, Stephanie & Lauren,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. The time Tom dedicated to the girls' softball league, the high school, and the many other activities he engaged in to help others will always be remembered. Our sincere sympathies.
Danielle and Julie Combs
Phil Wadsworth
December 28, 2008
Tanya and family, sorry for your loss, Tom was a good man, well respected, and dedicated. The community will suffer this loss as well.
Garland Cauthren
December 28, 2008
Tanya and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We enjoyed the time we got to spend with him and you at all the Cauthren and Gerringer Social's.
Thank you for sharing his life with us. We all will miss him and know you will as well as your family.
God Bless all of you.
Garland and Betty Cauthren
(Ricky Cauthren's parents)
Donna Cauthren
December 27, 2008
Tanya, Stephanie ,Lauren
Word can not say how we all are feeling . We miss Tom already. We know he is in a better place. Tom was a very special person to us all. We will always be here for you and your girls. Love you , Ricky,Donna, Brittany, and Tiffany
Rick and Katie Brown
December 27, 2008
We are so very sorry for your loss, we will keep you in our prayers.
Greg Kim
December 27, 2008
I wish the Roach family all my blessings, and sympathies. Officer Roach was a great man, and I am very glad that I had the opportunity to meet him in his career at Southeast. If it was not for him, I am not sure where I would be today. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
Helen Shepherd
December 27, 2008
Tanya,Lauren and Stephanie: I was saddened Wed. night when I learned about the passing of Tom. I have had you all on my mind ever since. I thought what a sad time here at Christmas then the thought occured to me it should be a glorious time he is now with his Lord and not here suffering.The Lord knows just when the time is just right. Keep all the memories and cherrish them. Helen Shepherd
Pattie Luck
December 27, 2008
Tanya,
You and the girls are ever present in our thoughts. Tom was a great guy and always will be remembered this way. Peace to you and yours.
Pattie, Brad and Cory Ash (cruise buddies)
sharon deese
December 27, 2008
My Thoughts and Prayers are with your Family. I Admired Tom and am glad to be considered his friend. He was a great Officer and also had that smile on his face. Tom will be missed by many, but his memory will live on in all of our hearts. Sincerely
Anna Wrenn
December 27, 2008
My hear goes out to the family. My prayers are with you through this sad time.
Heather Murray Downer
December 27, 2008
you guys are in our prayers... what a great man he was...
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