Bill "Wayne" Roach
Billy “Wayne” Roach, 81, passed away on July 13, 2017, at 12:45 p.m. at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loving family.
Wayne was born on June 4, 1936 in Rutledge, TN to Rufus Roach and Hannah Cabbage- Roach. He grew up in Rutledge and graduated from Rutledge High School in 1954.
He began his working career at Sanford Day Ironworks in Knoxville, TN and during this time also served in the Army Reserves. He next worked at Cummins Diesel Engines, beginning as a parts manager and working his way up to Branch Manager; Cummins eventually transferred Wayne to Chattanooga, TN which is how he left the East Tennessee area.
In 1974 he began his career in real estate as an Affiliate Broker at the Rick Baughn Agency in Chattanooga and then started his own Real Estate Brokerage company (Realty USA) in 1978 which would eventually become Wayne Roach and Associates.
He enjoyed running his own real estate company in Chattanooga for the next 38 years. Wayne never saw a stranger and typically always had at least four things in his pockets- a business card, a masonic petition, a pocket knife, and a pen. Real estate was never a “job” to Wayne- he enjoyed every minute of it and continued this passion for his career well into his 70s.
Wayne married Bennie Jane Wampler in 1965 in Lenoir City, Tn. They were happily married for 47 years. Wayne was a member of several local civic and business organizations over the years. He was a member of Chattanooga Consistory, A. A. Scottish Rite and a 52 year member of East Lake Lodge No. 698, F. & A. M.. He was also a member of Alhambra Temple, A. A. O. N. M. Shrine, Blair Post No. 95, American Legion, Chattanooga Court No 39, R. O. Jesters, Chattanooga Aerie No. 128, F. O. Eagles, Downtown Sertoma Club and a member of Silverdale Baptist Church. Wayne was passionate about many things in life, but certainly about three things - his love for his family, love for the career of real estate, and love of his brothers in the Masonic lodge. Wayne was a member of the National Association of Realtors, receiving the status of Realtor Emeritus as a 40 year member in 2014. He was a Master of his lodge in 1970 and 2002.
Wayne received many other awards as a local business man and was a consistent blood donor at Blood Assurance of Chattanooga.
Wayne is survived by his son, Rodger Wayne Roach, and daughter, Jennifer Joanne Roach, of Ashland
City and Dickson, TN, two grandsons, Austin Roach and Zachary Scott, and two granddaughters, Rachel Traughber and Amanda Scott. He is also survived by two loving daughters in law, Amy Roach and Tami Scott, a well as his beloved pets, Bippy and Lucky.
Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Rufus and Hannah Roach, a beloved step mother, Bessie Roach, three siblings, Vestal, Mamie, Edna, and his beloved wife of 47 years, Bennie Jane Wampler Roach.
The family will receive friends and family on Monday, July 17, at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. with service to follow at 6:30 p.m. with the Reverend Jerry Faulkner presiding. Wayne Roach will be honored at the graveside service by his brothers in the Alhambra Shrine, East Lake Masonic Lodge #698, and American Legion.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 18, at Lakewood Memory Gardens East, 4621 Shallowford Road at 12 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimers Research Foundation (alz.org) or Shriners Hospital for Children.
Arrangements are by Covenant Funeral & Crematory, Crox family owned and operated.