HERBERT W. ROACHE JR.

1935 - 2018

We celebrate the life of our beloved dad, Mr. Herbert W. Roache, Jr. He was born July 30, 1935, to the late Herbert Roache, Sr. and Otelia B. Chambliss-Roache. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hilda Marie Waller-Roache and his oldest son, Herbert III "Champ."

Mr. Roache was a high school graduate of Carter G. Woodson School. He briefly attended VSU formally known as Virginia State College. Herbert served in the U.S Army Reserves for 2 years. He retired from Stone Container in Hopewell with having over 35 years of service. After his retirement, he worked at Ernie's and J.C. Penny's part-time. Also, he had a handicapped transportation business that he inherited from his deceased son.

Herbert was well known as an old school quartet gospel singer. He sang gospel for over 60 years. Herbert sang with the Hopewell Jubilees and other gospel groups, however Mr. Roache was known as being the lead singer of the gospel group "The Christianaires" of Hopewell, Va. There are two original members of this group still going strong who are Mr. Linwood "Bunny" Miles and Mr. Thomas "Bunny" Reaves (his cousin).

His favorite gospel groups were Joe Ligon and the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Volinaires, Tommy Ellison and the 5 Singing Stars, Sam Cooke and many, many more. He sang on programs with the King Sisters, The Gospel Inheritance, Shirley Dicson and the Evening Spirituals, the Gospel Harmoneers of Ivor, Canton Spirituals, the Clouds, the late Willie Neal Johnson, Jackson Southern Aires, the late Willie Banks and the Messengers, too many to name. He traveled around this country with the Christianaires singing in different cities. He would often travel to see stellar groups with his wife, daughter and cousin, Ms. Juanita Reaves-Beard who he loved so much. His favorite song was "All My Help" by the Bright Stars of Brooklyn, New York.

Herbert was a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Hopewell, Va., for a number of years. He would often visit Pastor Leggett and the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church before his church service started. Herbert rededicated his life back to God and sincerely was a true worshipper of Christ. With having a dynamic sense of humor, Herbert spirit was welcoming, which he love to share with his family and (retired) buddies at downtown Hardees in Hopewell.

He leaves to cherish his legacy with his daughters, Marsha White of Norfolk, Va., Bonita, Annette and Donna of Hopewell, Va.; and his son, Roderick Roache of Richmond, Va.; his grandchildren, LaMont (who was his devoted grandson), LaVar, LaShonda (Bonita), Anthony, Alex, and Alyssa (Marsha), Myles (Donna), Quadrick, Tatiyanna and Hernasia (Herbert III), McKinli and Taylor (Roderick) and great-grandsons, Isaiah (LaMont) and Alex Jr. (Alex). Herbert was an only child, but he had numerous cousins he would called sisters and brothers; a host of other relatives and friends. Remember this moment. Cherish his story. Celebrate his life. One day "Daddy" we will see you again.

Homegoing services will held Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 3806 Courthouse Road, Hopewell Va. Rev. Vodricka Epps, Pastor, will eulogize. Interment will follow at Wilkerson Cemetery, Petersburg, Va. Public viewing will be held Friday, February 2, 2018, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at Bland & Tucker Funeral Home, 1500 Arlington Road, Hopewell, Va.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bland & Tucker Funeral Homes, 1500 Arlington Road, Hopewell, Va. (804)458-5357. Online condolences can be sent to: www.blandandtuckerfuneralhomes.com.