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Thomas Roush Obituary
Thomas Hammond Roush, 66, of Germanton, passed away Aug. 30, 2021, in Winston-Salem after a lengthy hospital stay following a fall with head injuries. He was born and raised in Barboursville, West Virginia, the son of Bert Hammond Roush, a riverboat captain, and Stella Joanna Riley Roush, a nurse. He spent 28 years living in Keokuk, Iowa, before moving to Stokes County in 2016. Roush attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and the Berklee School of Music in Boston. His lifelong passion was singing, playing guitar and banjo, and arranging all his own background music, primarily 19th century and folk songs. He produced 10 CDs and created dozens of music videos, which were followed on YouTube by thousands of subscribers around the world and viewed by millions. His live performances included community events and festivals, Civil War reenactments, private concerts and local radio interviews. He shared his vast knowledge of music history; his music has been used in documentaries and other media for his unique arrangements. Roush loved raising goats and gardening, almost as much as making people laugh. He was even seen playing his banjo and fiddle for local cows and goats. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Lennie. He is survived by his twin brother Terry Roush (Leslie) and older brother Mike Roush (Pat), both of West Virginia, and younger sister Barbara Roush of Washington state. He also leaves behind several close friends who loved him dearly. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Palmyra United Methodist Church, 5076 N.C. Highway 8 South, Germanton. His ashes will be buried in a private graveyard. In lieu of flowers, Tom would have preferred gifts to nurses, especially at Novant-Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, or LifeBrite Community Hospital of Stokes in Danbury.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Roush
Debbie Williams
May 5, 2025
I worked with Tom in the 1970´s and maintained a friendship for years. I´m so sad to hear he´s gone. What an incredible musician and singer. He was a a nice man and friend.
Logan
May 5, 2025
I have listened to your music for a little bit on YouTube, sad to see this may you rest in peace.
John Doe
April 28, 2025
He made good music.
John Kalaj
April 6, 2025
When was he born?
J Smith
April 4, 2025
Rest in Peace
Margie
March 22, 2025
Just today found Mr Roush... Have never been able to find The lyrics and song to "do you miss me today" and remember my grandmother singing it.... I am 86 years old so very special to find it and he sings it beautifully! Rest in peace!
SARAH E. ELIZABETH MOSS
March 19, 2025
I STUMBLED UPON MR ROUSH MUSIC TODAY, 3-19-2025. I AM SO SAD FOR HIS FAMILY, AND FOR ALL OF US WHO WILL MISS HIS MUSIC AND OTHER TALENTS.
GOD BLESS
Ginny B
February 26, 2025
Loved Tom's Music - So sorry to learn of his passing.
John Lamanna
November 17, 2024
Just found about about his death and it hurts, I can vividly recall countless memories of listening to "My Grandfathers Clock" as a child while huddled near my grandma's clock, I could go on forever on his music and the impact its had on me through the years. His songs are what fueled my interest and passion for The Civil War and 19th century music as a whole. His work has inspired not just me but thousands of other people.
Lou Salcedo
November 7, 2024
I just learned that he passed away. I loved listening to his stuff on YouTube. Thank you Thomas and please rest in peace.
Scott mahan
October 27, 2024
I learn new songs by listening to his YouTube´s !
Brenda and Ted Wright
September 11, 2024
We still miss Tom every day. He was a talented musician but also a true and loyal friend. I am so very thankful we still have his YouTube videos to enjoy. Rest well, sweet friend.
J. Kay
September 11, 2024
I first heard Tom Roush's music in 2011/2012 as a middle school student studying Civil War music for a school assignment.
Tom's songs sparked a deep interest in not only the music of that time period, but a desire to understand the lives of those far removed from my own.
Tom's music has deepened my appreciation for American culture as an immigrant myself and instilled a faith that despite the civil divisions today, Americans have found and will continue to find ways to hear and love one another.
Thank you for the music and for bringing history to life.
Dianne & John
September 1, 2024
Three years after Tom's passing, we still miss our best friend while listening to his music every day. Great memories of our visits, trips together, and public and private live performances. His last visit with us was 2 years before his death, although our friendship continued to the end via daily phone calls. (attached photo taken during his 2019 visit--the last in-person visit)
We still love you, Tom!
Susan D. Harris
August 30, 2024
I was concerned that I Tom hadn't posted anything for awhile on his YouTube channel and just looked him up. Can't believe he's gone! My parents lives were so blessed by his channel in their later years, and I'd reached out a couple of times to tell him. My parents have been gone about five years, but can't believe Tom is gone! I hope he's singing with my parents now in heaven. He touched so many lives.
Bill Hallett
August 16, 2024
Just finding this out today. Never met the man, but about 12 years ago discovered his music. My wife and I are Civil War reenactors in New Hampshire and treasure his music, keeping America´s heritage alive. All I can say is this is a loss for many people, not just family.
Robert Smith
June 28, 2024
Was sorry to hear of Tom Roush's death, having only recently found his interpretations of old songs online. Very talented and entertaining, and with a sense of humour, too...
Heinrich Johannes Fleischmann
June 24, 2024
I write this three years too late, but I hope my words are not a bother.
Mr. Roush has a very special place in my heart. His singing put him on equal footing to Grandpa Jones for me and I doubt I will ever be able to hear Carry Me Back to Old Virginny without hearing his voice.
It is hard to properly write how much of an influence he has had on my life with his music, so I will just end with this: I hope others find him the way I did and that his legacy is preserved.
John Bradford
March 26, 2024
How sad - he's still around and making new friends with his great work - yet he's been gone for some 20 years. I just "met" this year on recordings which simply make me weak and quiet in respect for his ability. The older tunes will stay with us in a grand style for ever. What a terrific gift he made for us. Few will ever be so kind.
Jimmy Neil
March 7, 2024
The world has lost a musical genius with Tom's passing. His love for his genre, and his unquestionable multi talent playing many instruments, as well as being a first rate musical arranger, made him a special talent. R.I.P Tom.Thanks to outlets like you tube, your music will live forever. Jimmy, Scotland
A Fan From YouTube
January 4, 2024
Very sad to learn of his passing. I enjoyed listening to his music on YouTube.
One of your many YouTube fans
January 2, 2024
I am so terribly sorry to read of Mr. Tom Roush's passing on when I discovered it on YouTube today. I had no idea that he passed. I really enjoyed his voice and way he used it when he sang. I often watched his music videos on his YouTube channel over these many years. His arrangements of 19th Century songs may have been contemporary but he both preserved and honored the spirit of the original arrangements when he created them. The photographic accompaniments he chose for his music videos as exemplified in his rendition of "Lorena", echo down through the last one and a half centuries and capture the emotions, conflicts and sensibilities of America at that time.
Rest in peace, Mr. Roush. Thank you for your music. I wish I had contacted you over the years to give you my compliments. With your rendition of "Lorena", you've ruined everyone else's version of the song for me...and I am completely happy with that...
"Up there it's heart to heart" ,
From one of your many YouTube fans...
Fred Glass
April 23, 2023
Just found out my favorite singer Tom Roush died. I loved his simple unadorned voice and shared his love of 19th century popular music. I wish I had the opportunity to have met him. Rest in peace dear friend.
Francis Murphy
December 24, 2022
I first found Tom's music on YOU Tube about 2 years ago. His versions of traditional songs are excellent. I just found out about his death. So sad to think we will hear no more "new" songs by Tom. Thank God his music still lives on line.
Condolences to his survivors. RIP, Maestro.
Helen the Melungeon
April 19, 2022
Tom's performing at Big Walter Mountain. Tom loved the area.
Rick...
April 15, 2022
Rest Easy Tom......
Many great memories!
Your Adoring Family
October 10, 2021
Papa Tom, we miss you (and your crackers) so much. You can never be replaced.
Bleat, bleat, bleat!
Ron Kime & Heather Kime
October 1, 2021
Ron Kime & Heather Kime
October 1, 2021
Ron Kime & Heather Kime
October 1, 2021
Tom was a regular at Big Walker Lookout. We enjoyed his visits almost as much as he did. That quirky grin and sense of humor had us laughing all the time. He was one of the most talented people I've ever met. He will be missed very much by all those touched by his presence. As Tom would say "Elvis has left the building."
Rest in Peace
Brenda Wright
September 30, 2021
Tom came into our lives about five years ago when he moved to NC. Tom was one of the most talented people we have ever met. His music was enjoyed by many people including us. He loved gardening and made his famous pickles from what he grew in his garden. Everyone loved them. Tom was funny and enjoyed making people laugh. He was a good and loyal friend and we certainly miss him.
Friends from Millstone Creek Orchards
September 30, 2021
Tom was one of our very favorite Orchard friends and musicians. For the last five years, he performed every fall at the Orchard and brought lots of smiles and happiness to all our guests. Some of our favorite photos are with him showing the little ones how to play the banjo. We will continue to keep Tom's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Tom will be missed greatly this season and all future season at the Orchard.
Dianne Faucette
September 29, 2021
John and I share in the grief of Tom's family and other close friends and neighbors, as we have so many cherished memories visiting Tom and traveling with him. We enjoyed watching countless performances where he sang and played his guitar, banjo and fiddle for audiences of all ages. Listening to his recordings are part of our daily enjoyment. His humor and willingness to help on countless tasks speak volumes. Tom, we miss you and are so grateful for the joy you brought us during our 6 years of close friendship. Rest in peace, my dearest friend.
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