Joseph Kenneth Roach, 73, of Chesterfield, was called home by his Lord and Savior on June 25, 2022. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Roach. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Helen Wilson Roach; four sons, Jason Roach (Kathy), William Roach (Vanessa), Tyler Roach (Ally) and Wesley Roach (Cecilia); his grandchildren, Hunter, Emily, Sarah, Nolan, Emma, Leah, Wesley and Kate; two aunts, Virginia "Gin" Breeden and Helen Benson, of Earlysville; and many cousins and friends.
Mr. Roach was born in Albemarle County. He was a member of the Earlysville Junior Ruritan Club. During his senior year at Albemarle High School, he won the Charlottesville-Albemarle Retail Merchants Scholarship. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in 1971 and a Masters of Education in 1976. Prior to joining VCU, Mr. Roach taught Distributive Education in Smithfield, Richmond and Amelia. While teaching, he was a member of the local Jaycee Chapters and won awards for public speaking and community service projects. Mr. Roach believed in supporting education and he gave many years to and served as PTA President, Vice President of Programs, and Vice President of Membership of O.B. Gates Elementary PTA in Chesterfield. He was a member of Second Branch Baptist Church and was retired from Virginia Commonwealth University, Grants and Contracts Dept. He always enjoyed his family, grandchildren, fishing and traveling.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Second Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Second Branch Baptist Church Building Fund, 12217 Second Branch Road, Chesterfield, VA 23838.