Larry Alden Roark

Larry Alden Roark, 76, of Johnson City, went to be with the Lord after a prolonged illness. He was a native of Mabel, NC, son of the late Paul Astor and Annie Hazel Isaacs Roark. Larry graduated from Science Hill High School in 1960. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1965. He was a United States Army veteran, having served his country during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. Larry was a retired electrical engineer for Eastman Chemical Company for nearly 30 years. He was a longtime and faithful member of Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church where he served as head usher for 25 years. Larry was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and the American Society of Safety Engineers. For many years, Larry had a deep and avid interest in genealogy. He enjoyed attending reunions and networking with family far and wide in his research of his family tree before illness prevented him from doing so. In addition to his parents, a granddaughter, Lillie Roark preceded him in death. Survivors include, his wife Edith Roark of 54 years, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Stephanie Roark of Gray; two daughters, Nancy Roark of Johnson City and Beth Roark of Tanzania; four grandchildren, Josie and Mattie Roark, Aaron McKee and girlfriend, Cindy Higgins and Audrey McKee; several nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm under the direction of Dr. Jody Jenkins and Dr. Gene Lasley. A Committal service is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Washington County Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be the ushers of Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron McKee, Paul David Roark, Cecil Hagaman, Curt Bawden, Harry Vicars and Larry Holloway. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:50 am. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all those at The Waters and Caris Hospice who gave such wonderful care to Larry during his illness. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials made to: Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church (Bus Ministry), 197 Suncrest Street, Gray, TN 37615 or Tumaini Children?s Home, in care of Grace Baptist Mission, 4700 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI 48101.