Joseph Edward Roark

Joseph Edward "Joey" Roark, of London, Kentucky was born on March 10, 1996 in Laurel County. He is survived by his adoptive mother and father, Rachel Ann and Roy Oscar Roark both of London; his biological father, Thomas Edward Roark and wife Ginger. He is also survived by the mother of his children and love of his life, Kayleigh Rebekah Smith; four children, Brantley Joseph Roark, Brandon Darrell Roark, Dodge Dewayne Roark and Nova Rebekah Roark all of Barbourville, Kentucky; five siblings, Willie Thomas Roark and wife Angela of Keavy, Kentucky, Emmalyne Roark (Jonathan Bowling), Damien Oscar Roark, Iziabella Ann Roark all of London; Alissa Jerry Lynn Hicks of Corbin; two step siblings, Cameron Hick and Christopher Swinford both of London; grandparents, Rita Gregory of Lily, Kentucky and Thomas Cooper of Keavy, plus a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and other family and friends to mourn his passing.

Joey was a loving father and hard worker. He never met a stranger and was the life of the party. No matter the challenges he faced, he always pulled through for his children. His smile would light up the room, but for some, the smile was their world. To his children, he hung the moon and stars. I hate that our time with him was cut short. He had so much more to offer this world. But we are grateful for the 29 years we did have with him. And will forever hold those memories close to our heart. Even though his smile can't light up a room down here anymore, I hope it's lighting up somewhere beyond here. Gone, but never forgotten, until we meet again.

Joseph Edward "Joey" Roark departed this life on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at the age of 29 years, 8 months and 17 days.

The funeral service for Joey Roark will be conducted at 1:30 pm Monday in the Bowling Funeral Home Chapel with Claude Gilbert Jr. and Willie Roark officiating. Burial will follow in Couch-Smith Cemetery in Clay County.

The family will receive friends beginning at 6 pm Sunday at Bowling Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Josh Grubb, Thomas Roark, Johnathan Bowling, Chris Swinford, Willie Roark and Paul Roark.

Honorary Pallbearers are Wayne Verrell and Terry Smith.