Obituary of Jr. Roach

Mr. George Luther Roach, Jr., age 85 died peacefully on Tuesday June 11, 2013, at The Bridge in Monteagle. He and his wife had been residents of Florence, Alabama since 1959. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was deployed to Korea with the 151st Combat Engineering Battalion from 1951-1952.He began his career in the Huntsville area at the Russell Erskine Hotel, where he worked his way up from a valet position in the garage to catering manager, achieving what one publication called "his enviable reputation for serving excellent food in a gracious manner." He relocated to Florence and spent many years as manager of the Florence County Country Club and later owner of Lakeview Restaurant and Motel. George hosted and catered many high profile events, and became noted for his signature ice sculptures. Born in Fackler, Alabama, a son of the late George and Lucille Canterbury Roach, he met his devoted wife of 65 years, Pauline (Polly) Sudduth, while in high school. The two were married in May 1948. George was a musician, playing drums in orchestras and dance bands for many years. He mastered a number of instruments with little or no traing and passed his love of music on to his children. He was a diehard University of Alabama football fan and never missed hearing or attending a game. In addition to his wife, George is survived by daughters, Polly Roach Hyatt of Atlanta, Mary Beth Roach McDade of Memphis and Lila Roach Stapler of Sheffield; son, James W. "pete" Roach of Seoul, South Korea. He was especially devoted to his five grandchildren, Ben Hyatt, Zada Hyatt, Aaron Stapler, Hannah Roach and Abigail Roach. Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Greenview Mmemorial Chapel in Florence, Alabama