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Hugh Varnum Roche

1938 - 2020

Hugh Varnum Roche obituary, 1938-2020, Panama City, FL

BORN

1938

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Southerland Family Funeral Home

100 E. 19th Street

Panama City, Florida

Hugh Roche Obituary

Mr. Hugh Varnum Roche, 81, of Panama City, FL, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 in Tampa, FL. He was born on April 23, 1938 in Vernon, FL to William Howard Roche and Lillian Varnum Roche. Hugh was the former Vice President & General Manager at WMBB-TV as well as KDBC-TV, KNOE-TV and KTVE-TV. Hugh was very involved in community affairs. He was a former member of the Board of Trustees of Gulf Coast State College and was former President of the Foundation Board at Gulf Coast State College. He served as Chairman for the Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross and Military Affairs Committee. He was the recipient of the Lauren Merriam Award, Rotary-Paul Harris Fellow, the Jefferson Award and the BRAVE Award. Hugh was involved in community activities in the several cities he lived in and was also very active in his church choir and other church concerns. He was the President of the Symphony Board in Monroe, LA, President of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, served on the Board of Directors for Florida Association of Broadcasters and Bay Medical Center. He was a choir member at St. Andrew United Methodist Church and served as Chairman of the Administrative Board. Hugh had a beautiful voice and often sang in church services, weddings, funerals and community musicals and activities. Music was a large part of his life.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Carla McKinney Roche; three daughters, Michelle Roche Pippin (Craig), Robin Roche Flournoy (Shannon) and Stephanie Roche Weber (Bill); grandchildren, Carla and Tony Santiny, Evan, Sean and Drew Flournoy, Lily and Liam Weber; great-grandchildren, Haivyn Grace Cockrell and Luke Santiny.

A Celebration of Life will be held later date. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted at www.southerlandfamily.com

Southerland Family Funeral Home
1112 Ohio Ave.
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
850-785-8532
Published by Panama City News Herald from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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17 Entries

Shanna Campbell

April 5, 2020

This saddens me and I am so very sorry for your loss of such a special man. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

John Langston

April 5, 2020

My mentor and friend, Hugh never met anyone without a great smilie and wonderful greeting. We will all miss him greatly. I admired him so much especially in high school when he sang on TV with the Home Folks Quartet. He was my hero. God bless you Carla and the Roche family we all love you very much.
John and Jo Langston

Arthur Cullen

April 5, 2020

A true businessman, with a kind, gentle heart. He left his community much better than he found it.
Thank you Mr Roche.

Rev. Dan Rhodes

April 4, 2020

Cheryl and I are very sorry for your loss. During this sad time, keep your hand in the hand of Jesus and your eyes on the cross. God bless all of you.

Jerry & Norma Tabatt

April 4, 2020

Carla, Norma and i want to express our condolences to you and your family. Hugh was a great general manager at WMBB where i had the pleasure of working for him. Not only was he a great boss, he was also a friend who was there at any time for you. He will be remembered for what he did for this community. He is now with our Lord and heaven looking down on us with that smile and word of encouragement. God bless you and your family.

Nancy Turner

April 3, 2020

What wonderful memories I have of Hugh. He and Carla have been dear friends for many, many years. I will forever treasure the good times and the laughter we shared. Being with Hugh was always a gift. He just made you feel better with his smile, his hugs and his genuine caring heart. I am holding his precious family close in my thoughts and my prayers.

April 3, 2020

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Roche's passing. This reminds me of my wonderful time spent during my kindergarten days at Mrs. McKinney's, with Carla and Michelle. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Roche family for your loss.

Mike Tucker

Gene & Gina Conrad

April 3, 2020

Carla & Family, Mike and Lewis
So sorry for your loss! Hugh was a great guy, enjoyed knowing him. He is singing in Gods choir now, Give The World A Smile Every Day!!

HILARY JENKINS

April 3, 2020

RIP my friend. We had some great deer hunting stories. Holmes Creek Area was your friend.

Hilary Jenkins

Lynn Meredith

April 3, 2020

Dear Carla, Im so very sorry for your loss. Please give me your mailing address and cell phone number. My cell is 706-207-3763.

Gary Bellamy

April 2, 2020

A great and caring man, friend. Honored to have known Hugh.

Area Rotary Clubs Friends and members

April 2, 2020

Sympathies and condolences to the Roche family.Hugh was an important part of history of Bay County.Congratulations on your many awards, especially the Paul Harris award from Rotary International.Godspeed.

Michael H. Sarra

April 2, 2020

Hugh Roche was a fine gentleman and community leader.He will be missed by many.Thank you for all of the many contributions you have made to the City of Panama City, Bay County and Northwest Florida. May God be with the family during this time of great sorrow.

April 1, 2020

An important part of Panama City's history and wonderful person.

Fred Conrad

April 1, 2020

A friend in need is a friend indeed. A beautiful baritone voice. Loved by everybody. Glad to have been on the Earth at the same time as you, Hugh.

Mike Sasser

March 30, 2020

Hugh was a true professional, one I had the pleasure of working with very early in my career. My deepest sympathies are with his family during this time of loss.

Jacqueline Blankenship

March 29, 2020

Mr. Hugh will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.

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100 E. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405

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