Paul Jones Roath Jr.

Paul Jones Roath Jr. was born 8/30/1926 in Oakland California and passed away at the age of 98 on October 14 2024. Paul or otherwise known as Gramps to his two grandsons and daughter in law was part of our Country's "Greatest Generation ".
At an early age his family moved to Michigan where they lived for a short time in Detroit and then built a house which was then considered the country in Hines Park where Paul spent his childhood days hunting and fishing.
He attended Redford High School where he ran track. He found much success as a sprinter and high hurdler. He even had the privilege of shaking Jesse Owens hand at an indoor track meet in Detroit.
His high school days were cut short however after World War II broke out. He enlisted in the Navy at the ripe old age of 17. His father was a marine and told him he should enlist in the Navy because he didn't want his son sleeping in the mud. Paul was a sailor on the USS LCI 808. Speaking of sleeping he found space on a top bunk to prevent seasick sailors from throwing up on him and carved a small hole in an air vent above him to let in the fresh air. He was quite proud of that.
Paul had many stories about his time in the war and told them often. After commissioning, his ship set off from California and sailed across the Pacific to join the Western Islands attack group. After 7 days at sea the 808 maneuvered into position at the island of Kuba Shima and commenced firing at targets in the attack plan. That was the beginning of Paul's service to his country as the ship fought its way through Japan's outer islands toward the mainland.
The stories were endless but one that comes to mind was when his ship ran aground 2,000 yards off shore while providing close shore mortar support. As the sun began to fall the battle ships that were firing over them with much larger munitions pulled out. The tide had gone out and the 808 could not leave. The quick thinking Captain of the ship moved top side cargo and had the crew do jumping jacks on the stern of the ship while they revved the engines. Thankfully it worked and the 808 got off the reef!
Another story that people may not know was that at the end of the war the 808 was one of the early ships to enter the Japanese harbors to begin mine sweeping operations. Paul noticed the next peril that waited for them after the suicide planes. Hundreds of small suicide boats fitted with a single torpedo on them ready to attack the American fleet. Thankfully that did not occur.
Toward the end of his tour in the Pacific Paul developed a great respect and love for the Japanese people. His ship made cakes and the Japanese school children would come to the 808 after school to take them home to their families. He even had dinner with a Japanese family who played American music on a phonograph for him and his shipmates.
Paul did not cry often but the final story that always brought a tear to his eye was when the battered 808 returned home and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. A large sign on shore read "Welcome Home Job Well done".
After Paul returned home from the service he was asked to go on a blind date with Rita his wife for over 50 years. He showed up in his dress blues at her doorstep and the rest was history. They married, lived with her parents while he completed high school and attended college at the Chrysler Institute on the GI Bill. Paul spent his entire 40 plus year working career as an engineer with Chrysler Corporation. The area his division was responsible for was the dashboard on pick up trucks. One of his most interesting projects was the development of airbags that are still used in cars today. For this reason Paul always drove a pick up truck, usually big ones with 4 wheel drive, chrome wheels and hemi engines!
Paul and Rita had one son Brian. Paul loved passing on his hunting and fishing hobbies to his son, his nephews and some of Brian's friends. No matter the outing Paul always seemed to catch the most, biggest fish, or bag the most game. Because of this he was fondly nicknamed "The Indian" by his fishing and hunting buddies. Paul loved all things outdoors during his retirement. He also developed a love for golf and even got a hole in one at Rolling Meadows golf course in Livonia in May of 2006.
One of Paul's greatest achievements later in life was being an awesome Grandpa to his Grandsons Chad and Justin. They were involved in soccer, hockey, and track and Grandpa never missed an event rain or shine. He continued this until they both graduated from high school.
Paul outlived his wife Rita by 25 years and has spent the last 12 years with his long time companion Marilyn Jackson. They enjoyed trips to Florida together and camping in Michigan in Paul's travel trailer even into Paul's 90"s. In addition to keeping him in line Marilyn always took great care of Paul. They had many good times together.
Paul, Dad, Gramps, and the Indian will be missed dearly by all who knew him!
Paul is survived by his son, Brian (Lisa) Roath; grandchildren, Chad (Stephanie) Roath, Justin Roath; great-grandchildren, Sophie age 5, and Keegan age 3, along with many extended family and dear friends.
Paul is preceded in dead by his parents, Paul Jones Roath Sr. and Nina Bell Roath; wife of over 50 years, Rita Marie A. Roath; and sister, Sue Gagner.
A Funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 12:00 PM. Lynch Funeral Home, 404 East Liberty Street, Milford, Michigan 48381. Friends and family are encouraged to gather from 10:30AM until the time of the funeral. This service will be live streamed.