William E. "Bill" ROACH

ROACH, William E. "Bill," 88, passed away in his home after a long

illness, sur-rounded by his family, March, 8, 2010. He was born June 25, 1921, in his parents' home on the bay shore in Tampa and lived with his wife, Irene, in Land O' Lakes. More than 50 years ago, Bill settled in Land O' Lakes, where he actively worked in the community and owned a citrus grove. He was a lifetime member of Sertoma and many other civic organizations. Bill proudly served his country for more than 13 years in the U.S. Air Force. An ex-POW, he was held captive in Germany during World War II for more than two years after his fighter plane was shot down. Bill was an avid historian and kept local, state and national events sharp in his mind, ready to share at a moment' s notice. He was passionate about helping others and always pulled for the underdog. A native and lifelong resident of Florida, Bill is survived by his wife, Irene; sons, James Roach of Lagos, Nigeria, and Jay Leslie Roach of Lutz; daughters, Sherri Edmisten Shuman, and husband, Chuck, of New Port Richey, Kimberly Saavedra and husband, Orlando, of Land O' Lakes, and Wendy Neal and husband, Rod, of Land O' Lakes; eight grandchildren, Veronica Saavedra Steiner, Joshua Saavedra, Dorothy Roach, Danny Edmisten, Sarah Saavedra, Jamie Roach, Ross Neal, and Caroline Neal; and Penny, his loving and devoted Schnauzer, who never left his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Agnes Roach of Tampa; his first wife, Dorothy Roach; brother, Jay Leslie Roach; and sister, Margaret Freeman. Bill Roach, a "poor farmer," loving husband and father, community activist, soldier, and entrepreneur, will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at the First Baptist Church of Lutz. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10 a.m. Interment at Myrtle Hills Memorial Gardens in Tampa will immediately follow the service with well deserved full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in William' s name to James Haley V.A. Hospital Disabled Veterans Fund or Andersonville National Historic Military Museum Anderson NHS 496 Cemetery Road Andersonville, GA 31711. Words of comfort may be expressed at www.blountcurry.com