Gay Willie RoachSeptember 28, 1948 - October 6, 2021 Mr. Gay Roach, Jr., of Trumann departed this life on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at the family residence at the age of 73 years and 8 days. He was bornTuesday, September 28, 1948 in Marked Tree, AR and lived most of his lifetime in Trumann. Gay Jr. was the Founder, President and CEO of Roach Mfg. and a member of First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gay Willie Roach, Sr., and Margaret Cloie McFerrin. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kathy Law Roach of the home; two sons, G. W. (Cara) Roach of Trumann and Joshua Wayne (Jaime) Roach Callahan of Trumann; three daughters, Leisa (Michael) Reese of Trumann, Jennifer (Benjamin) Cronkhite of Trumann and Mallory (Seth) Jacobs of Collinsville, IL; two brothers, Gary Roach and Mike Roach, Sr., two sisters, Margaret Roach Parks and Nandra Roach; eleven grandchildren, Merritt (Christi) Davis, Scarlett (Kaleb) Capps, Skye (Houston) Broughton, Keefer Roach, Jaycee (Jimmy) Creecy, Sydney Callahan, Peyton Callahan, Lily Cronkhite, Jackson Cronkhite, Eli Jacobs, Layla Jacobs and Asa Jacobs; and five great-grandchildren, Kai, Lainey, Rachel, Anna and Briar. G.W. loved being surrounded by his family. The joy of “Family Sundays” and holidays meant so much too him. He adored his loving wife, Kathy, as she did him. He also loved nights out with friends, especially Supper Club. His Country Club days gave him lots of good memories and many laughs. And, we will all miss those wonderful fish frys! He was so proud of the success of Roach Manufacturing Corporation. He had the ability to see a problem, figure out how to solve it in his mind; and, then take those ideas and create a solution. He designed several of the machines used in the manufacturing process at the plant; and, with an innovative spirit he was constantly modernizing and improving on processes daily. He was the “go to” person for any question about anything in the Roach Facility. He was a very giving person who did many things for our community and never wanted any recognition. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 - 7 at First Baptist Church in Trumann. Celebration of Life will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Trumann with Dr. Tad Rogers and Rev. John Maley officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Scotty Taylor, Jan Morgan, Matt Moon, Jim Berry, Chris Kain, Farrell Timms, Mike Roach, Jr., and Regan Parks. In compliance with Covid-19 guidelines, a mask or other facial covering is optional. An online register book can be signed at www. thompsonfuneralhome.net |