Robert Talley Roakes Sr.

Robert Talley Roakes, Sr., 84, of Salisbury, NC passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born December 16, 1940 in Rock Hill, SC to the late Louise Talley Roakes and Charlie Thomas Roakes, Sr. He graduated from Boyden High School in 1959 and Catawba College with a business administration degree in 1963. His first job was working with his family at Roakes Grocery. After graduation, Bob worked in accounts receivables at Cannon Mills for five years. Then he began his career in the banking industry with Home Savings and Loan Association. He finished his career at Sun Trust and F&M Bank.

Bob had a servant's heart and participated in various roles in his community and church. He was a member of the Salisbury Jaycees and Salisbury Rowan Home Builders Association. Bob was President of Salisbury Rotary Club, Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, the Sales and Marketing Club and Catawba College Chiefs at different points in his life. He served on the Board of Hood Theological Seminary. Through his banking and real estate background and Habitat volunteer work he loved helping people get homes. Bob was instrumental in starting Habitat for Humanity in Rowan County and served as President for many years. He was Chairman of the Board of Salisbury Housing Authority until recently due to declining health. He also served on the Board of Rowan County Equalization and Review. Bob enjoyed delivering for Meals on Wheels for many years.

His faith in Jesus Christ guided everything he did. Bob was an active member of First United Methodist Church where he held leadership positions including Chairman of the Board of Trustees, a Stephens Minister and was selected as Church lay Person of the Year. Prior to this, he was an active member of First United Church of Christ.

After retirement, Bob loved serving as a volunteer for the Elizabeth Dole Senatorial Campaign as her driver covering the entire state of NC.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charlie T. Roakes, Jr.; sister, Linda Roakes Beaver and nephew Jeff Beaver.

Bob loved his family and spending time with them. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Mary Hunsucker Roakes; daughter, Amy Roakes Brewer (Raymond) of Siler City; son, Robert T. Roakes, Jr. (Suzanne) of Salisbury, NC; grandsons, David Brewer and Alec Brewer; granddaughters, Sarah Roakes and Regan Roakes; sister, Nancy Roakes Blalock (Dave) of Little River, SC; brother-in-law, Ted Beaver; sister-in-law, Sandra Roakes and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center in Salisbury and the DaVita Kidney Center in Spencer.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Friday (June 6) at First United Methodist Church of Salisbury, officiated by Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Roakes family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.